PICAYUNE — The Pearl River Central High School student council is organizing a masquerade night for exceptional-needs students across Pearl River County on April 18 at the school’s cafeteria. 

The event will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. at Pearl River Central High School, 7391 U.S. 11 in Carriere. 

According to Marilyn Schielder, a teacher and student council sponsor, this will be the second time the student council has hosted the event to support exceptional-needs students. 

The evening will include dinner, music and dancing in a setting designed to be welcoming and accessible for all students. 

“I think it gives an opportunity for every student to feel like they have a place and also gives them an environment that is respectfully constructed for them,” Schielder said. 

The event is hosted and funded by the Kiwanis Club of Greater Picayune and Pearl River Central High School. Organizers said students will be able to enjoy several activities and services at no cost to families. 

To help students prepare for the event, an attire store will open March 21 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Pearl River Central High School library. Students and families will be able to browse clothing options for the masquerade. 

On the day of the event, a hair and makeup salon will also be available at the library from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. 

Organizers said safety and accessibility are key priorities. The DJ, provided by the Kiwanis Club of Greater Picayune, has been instructed to keep music at a moderate volume, and strobe lights will not be used to reduce the risk for students who may have seizures due to epilepsy. 

Dinner will be provided and will include chicken tenders, jambalaya, Caesar salad, rolls, king cake, strawberry lemonade, soda and water. 

The event is free to attend. 

Families interested in registering can contact Marilyn Schielder at 601-569-7196 or [email protected].