VOA标准英语2010年-A Cinderella Night for Students with D

Choosing a dress for the Cinderella Ball which is held for middle and high school students with disabilities or life-threatening illnesses.

In the United States, high school students usually attend a prom at the end of the school year.

It's a party that many consider one of the most memorable¹ moments of their young lives. But students with disabilities and life threatening illnesses are mostly left out of the celebrations. On a recent Sunday, the dream came true for some of these students at a Washington extravaganza entirely² paid for by donations from individuals and corporations.

Going to the prom

It's a moment 16-year-old Caleigh Hildebrandt has waited a year for. She rolls along the red carpet in a wheelchair with a big smile.

 

"It makes my day," says Caleigh. "Excited and going down on the red carpet makes me even more excited."

Caleigh was born with spina bifida, a birth defect of the spinal³ cord and backbone⁴. She's one of more than 100 kids invited to the Cinderella Ball, an annual event in the nation's capital for middle and high school students with disabilities or life threatening illnesses. 

U.S. Marines form a sword arch as each student arrives at the fancy hotel near the White House.

Helen McCormick, a former teacher, founded the Cinderella Ball five years ago.

"Cinderella Ball began because we thought of students that aren't always included in proms or school activities," she says. "So when we decided⁵ that we do something special to make their dream come true or wish come true, we started looking at children whose life-long dependency on their parents will be forever and whose invitation to a prom or invitation to a dance isn't given to them because of the disability."  

VOA - J. Soh
US Marines form a sword arch as each student arrives at the fancy hotel near the White House.

Getting ready

McCormick says the word got out, and pretty soon donations of dresses, shoes, tuxedos⁶ and ties started coming in from across the country.

On a weekend before the ball, students went to Cinderella Closet to select donated items with help from volunteers. Everyone is the center of attention. They primp, in search of the perfect look.

Robyn Casey is the mother of 18-year-old Brittany Meyer. 

"Brittany was born with a rare disability. The first year and every year, I cry. It is really, it is like my emotions took over. I never imagined her dressed in a beautiful gown for a special night." 

Big night

At the ball, students and their families enjoy the performance of Jordin Sparks,  winner of the American Idol⁷ TV show four years ago. 

"Everybody deserves a chance to be at a prom or at a ball.  Everybody deserves a chance to dress up.  Everybody deserves a chance to dance," says Kyle Maynard, a congenital amputee and author of the best selling book "No Excuses."

Caleigh receives a "No Excuses" award for her determination in overcoming obstacles. 

Caleigh's father, Randy Hildebrandt, is an airforce officer. He says Caleigh has had 29 surgeries so far.

"This is a big deal for Caleigh and the family. It is really nice that the kids can have focus on them even though they don't ask for it. But they enjoy and they deserve it because they work harder in the year to get through their tough times."

Spinning to the music, the boys and girls seem to forget the tough times, enjoying their own version of the Cinderella story.  
 

1 memorable   

adj.值得回忆的，难忘的，特别的，显著的

参考例句：

• This was indeed the most memorable day of my life.这的确是我一生中最值得怀念的日子。
• The veteran soldier has fought many memorable battles.这个老兵参加过许多难忘的战斗。

2 entirely   

ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地

参考例句：

• The fire was entirely caused by their neglect of duty. 那场火灾完全是由于他们失职而引起的。
• His life was entirely given up to the educational work. 他的一生统统献给了教育工作。

3 spinal   

adj.针的，尖刺的，尖刺状突起的；adj.脊骨的，脊髓的

参考例句：

• After three days in Japan,the spinal column becomes extraordinarily flexible.在日本三天，就已经使脊椎骨变得富有弹性了。
• Your spinal column is made up of 24 movable vertebrae.你的脊柱由24个活动的脊椎骨构成。

4 backbone   

n.脊骨，脊柱，骨干；刚毅，骨气

参考例句：

• The Chinese people have backbone.中国人民有骨气。
• The backbone is an articulate structure.脊椎骨是一种关节相连的结构。

5 decided   

adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的

参考例句：

• This gave them a decided advantage over their opponents.这使他们比对手具有明显的优势。
• There is a decided difference between British and Chinese way of greeting.英国人和中国人打招呼的方式有很明显的区别。

6 tuxedos   

n.餐服，无尾晚礼服( tuxedo的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• Our services include design and tailoring for wedding gowns, tuxedos and party dressesfrom and American brands. 们的服务范围包括高级婚纱设计定制，高级礼服、派对装设计定制，及欧美一线品牌成衣的驳样定制。 来自互联网
• Most tuxedos are black, but some people like to wear white ones called 'morning suits'. 大多数男士无尾晚礼服是黑色的，不过有些人喜欢穿那种被称为“晨服”的白色装。 来自互联网

7 idol   

n.偶像，红人，宠儿

参考例句：

• As an only child he was the idol of his parents.作为独子，他是父母的宠儿。
• Blind worship of this idol must be ended.对这个偶像的盲目崇拜应该结束了。