Nearly 300 people attended Snowflake Dance on Friday

(ST. LEON, Ind.) – There are winter dances at many area schools but there is nothing like East Central’s annual Snowflake Dance.
The dance welcomes those with disabilities for a night of dancing and fun that feels very similar to the typical high school formal.
“A lot of high school students get to experience dances and formals, but normally students with disabilities don’t get to attend those events,” said East Central student Chloe Hensley.
That statement is similar to what East Central teacher Brenda Osman heard nearly 20 years ago from a student named Steven Duning.
“He came to me and asked if we could have a dance for the Special Olympics group,” Osman said.
Osman made it happen and recalls how the first few years were for East Central special needs students and Special Olympians only.
Over the years, Osman has facilitated the growth of the dance that now welcomes anyone from anywhere in Southeast Indiana.
Nearly 300 people were in attendance for the 2025 Snowflake Dance on Friday night and they even named a King & Queen! (Congrats Gracie and Ryan!)
It’s personal for Osman who has a family member that has special needs.
“We’re just trying to make a difference in their lives and give them a nice evening to look forward to every year,” Osman said. “It just warms my heart to see them so happy and interacting with everyone.”
The dance is organized by Osman and her students within the FCCLA program. Some of the students who made it possible this year were Chloe Hensley, Maddie Ruwe, Kara Rowland and Chloe Offenbacker.
“It's not a lot of work to put this together. It just takes a little bit of effort to create an amazing night that they look forward to every year,” said Maddie Ruwe.
“It’s really not that hard to go out of your way and do something nice for people,” she added.

The event welcomes those from elementary-aged to adults with disabilities to attend the dance every January.
Offenbacker and Rowland both say the best part is knowing that they are making a difference in someone else’s life.
“Just seeing their big smiles, taking pictures with them and just getting to know more people and seeing them happy,” Rowland said.
Offenbacker echoed that by saying, “It just means a lot to connect with people in our community that I typically might not be around. I feel like I am making a difference in their lives each year and it means a lot."
The Snowflake Dance is also made possible by several local sponsors who donate food and drinks.
The businesses involved last night included St. Leon Skyline, Alig's Shell, Blimpie, Logan Supermarket and Snappy Tomato in Bright.