March 3, 2026 — There's something special about seeing hundreds of students from across Cobb County gather in one place, dressed up, smiling, and ready to dance. This year, the annual Special Education Dance was bigger and brighter than ever.

The theme, “Zootopia: Better Zoogether,” welcomed about 500 students from multiple Cobb County middle and high schools. The theme, inspired by the message that we are stronger and kinder when we work together, set the tone for an event filled with inclusion, friendship, and shared joy.

"It's such a beautiful thing to see, and it's such a special moment for them because they really do remember things like this," said Adyson, a senior at KMHS.

"This is one of my favorite moments of my senior year, and here at Kennesaw Mountain, it's something seniors especially look forward to, and I'm sad it's my last one," said Adyson, a senior at KMHS.

A Multi-School Celebration of Connection

The Special Education Dance is not just a single-school event. It brings together students from across the district, creating a space where new friendships can form and familiar faces can reconnect. For many students, the dance is one of the most anticipated events of the year. It's a chance to dress up, take photos, enjoy music, and step into a space designed just for them.

Behind the scenes, nearly 200 volunteers from Kennesaw Mountain High School spent the past few weeks planning, decorating, organizing, and preparing to serve as dance partners and guides. The volunteers greet guests at the door, walk alongside them throughout the event, and ensure every student feels comfortable and included. 

"We've spent about 15 hours every week, and we stay every day after school until about 7 p.m.," said Ana, a senior volunteer at Kennesaw Mountain. "It's been really fun putting this together."

What it Means to Students

At McEachern High School, Deyton spent the days leading up to the dance practicing his moves and deciding which songs he wanted to hear. 

Deyton, 17, has Down syndrome and is an active member of Cobb Schools. He's played baseball and basketball, and he's currently in a program where he learns to play the drums. 

"There hasn't been a morning where he has awakened where he didn't have a smile on his face, and we're proud of that," said Deyton's mom, Karen Moss Sullivan.

The dance has been something this family has looked forward to now for several years here in Cobb, and it's often the topic of conversation in the Sullivan household. 

This year, Deyton selected his "church clothes" for the big day and has been eager to hear some of his favorite songs from his favorite movie, "Shrek."

"Deyton is very energetic. He loves people, and he never meets someone he doesn't know," said Deyton's dad, Daryl. 

For families with a student in special education, not every day is easy. The Sullivans said events like this make life much easier, knowing there's always an event every year that they can look forward to. 

"It gives them an environment to participate where it's just for them, and it's a blessing to have students there as well. For us parents, that means they're being accepted," said Deyton's mom.

At its core, the Special Education Dance is about connection. In Cobb Schools, we truly are better when we come together.

Better Zoogether.