She chose the perfect dress and has been working hard to complete her studies. 

Finishing year 10 is a huge milestone for Karisma, who has an intellectual disability called IM and struggles to comprehend new information as quickly as her peers. 

When her sister Skye learned a casual dinner - organised independently of the school, was the only celebration on offer for her sister and the other special needs students she decided to do something about it. 

Since then she has been inundated with generous donations to help create a year 10 formal that will be a night to remember.

Monte Pio has offered a ballroom for the event, November 30 is the date and so far 29 students will attend. 

“I had no idea it was going to get this big, it all started when she came home upset and told us what was happening,” Skye said. 

“The casual dinner had nothing to do with the school; they haven’t organised a year 10 formal since the year 10 certificate was scrapped.”

When Skye shared the situation on social media the Maitland community quickly threw their support behind the cause.

“Kira Jade, and Lauren from Monte Pio are helping me organsie everything; I’ve never done anything like this before and Lauren has organised fundraisers before so it’s been a big help,” she said. 

“We’ve had a lot of people come forward and offer dresses and cars if the kids want them; we’ve got photographers donating their time, dj’s wanting to play for them, Rutherford Woolworths has offered to donate a cake  – I can’t believe how the community has come together like this, it’s just amazing.” 

On top of that, hairdresser Tim Tanner from Viva Hair and Beauty in Maitland will offer a free hair package to the five IM students attending. Petrina Cook from Shear Abilities hair salon will offer discounted services to any student attending.

Skye said her sister was brimming with excitement and couldn’t wait to attend the formal. 

"I honestly didn’t think the community cared about them this much and it makes me happy that these kids aren’t going to be left out and they are going to get the night of their lives,” she said. 

“Karisma was heartbroken when she was told it was a casual dinner and she wasn’t going to be able to wear her dress. My mum was also upset because she got to see her first two daughters have their year 10 and 12 formal, and didn’t want my little sister to miss out.

“I’ve had a lot of mums contact me and thank me for what I’m doing and say that their kids have told them what is happening and they are very excited about it.”