With excitement, curiosity and perhaps a hint of nervousness, they strutted out of the chauffeured red convertible, she in a green gown, he in a tuxedo.

For Tiffany Perez, a 21-year-old Penn Manor High School student with Down syndrome, prom night Friday was simply magical.

Back in early spring, as word of the prom began to spread, Tiffany told her mother that she wanted to attend. She said that she wanted to sparkle like Tinker Bell, the fairy in the animated Walt Disney movie "Peter Pan."

"I thought if there was a way that we could get her to go it would be great," her mother, Teresa Perez, said. "When I asked her who did she want to take to the prom, she said Corey."

"That's my buddy!" Tiffany said with excitement. Like her, Corey Trinkle, 23, has Down syndrome. He graduated last year from Penn Manor, where he and Tiffany were in classes together.

Two months ago, Tiffany set out to pick the pattern, material and color of her dress assisted by her mother. Corey had to find a tuxedo.

Then they eagerly waited for the big day, which arrived Friday. "Prom!" was the first word out of Tiffany's mouth as she woke up, according to her mom.

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As many as 6,000 babies are born with Down syndrome every year in the United States, according to MayoClinic.com. People with the syndrome have extra genetic material on the 21st chromosome. It occurs in approximately one in every 800 live births.

The disorder is associated with mild to moderate cognitive disabilities and characteristic physical features, such as almond-shaped eyes.

But it has not prevented Tiffany from playing baseball, participating in the cheerleading squad and taking guitar lessons.

Her parents and special education teacher say Tiffany has always had a lot of friends in school.

It is not uncommon to walk into the cafeteria at Penn Manor High School and see Tiffany talking and laughing with her peers.

"She just has this wonderful disposition. She is such a happy person," said Melissa Przychodzen, a special education teacher at Penn Manor High School.

"We are just so fortunate that the regular education students want to include her. These kids volunteer in her classes to help the other kids with DS," Teresa Perez said. "Some of them were just as excited that she was going to the prom."

Children with Down syndrome are being "mainstreamed" in regular academic classrooms in schools across the country. The current trend in education is for full inclusion in the social and educational life of the community.

According to Przychodzen, Tiffany shines in certain areas. She is a good reader and loves to listen to and dance to music.

Tiffany serves as a volunteer at Oak Leaf Manor Retirement Home in Millersville.

Her class visits the residents twice every month, but Tiffany goes an additional hour every week to do a music exercise program with them.

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Achieving independence is a goal for many people with learning disabilities, but the issue is even more pressing for their parents, fearful of their child's future on their own.

"We worry about her getting a job because she has to be supervised at all times just for safety reasons," Teresa Perez said. "We are in the process of getting her involved with a support group for people with special needs."

Tiffany's biggest cheerleader may be her father Wilfredo Perez, or "Honey' as she calls him.

"She is my princess. I am very proud that she is graduating," he said.

Her parents are supportive of everything Tiffany does, but they worry for her safety. They are interested in community programs that will help Tiffany protect herself around unfamiliar people.

"If it was up to me, I would be with her all the time to protect her. But I know she has to learn," her father said. "Some people ask me if she will be able to be on her own eventually. I tell them they will have a hard time keeping me away from her."

Tiffany is involved in everything that happens at home. She loves to be outside practicing her baseball skills or the chants for the cheerleading squad. She is part of Challengers youth baseball team for children with special needs.

Tiffany's parents wonder what the future holds for their child as they consider the available options.

"We already discussed that. She will always be with us, even if she marries. I will build her a place next to ours if I have to," her father said. "It's not going to happen tomorrow. I hope I'm ready. I know she will be."

But those thoughts were put on hold at least for a few moments because on Friday night it was all about celebrating Tiffany's achievements so far. Her excitement and confidence were evident as she greeted friends, teachers and relatives while posing for the cameras. It was an enchanted evening for Tiffany. She wanted to dance all night and have fun with her friends.

She and Corey were driven to Willow Valley Resort in the family car. However, it was decided that wasn't quite spectacular enough. So, they got in the back of a red convertible, and Przychodzen and Wilfredo Perez drove them one lap around the parking lot and back for a grand entrance.

"I am ready," Tiffany shouted as she and Corey rode along.

E-mail: ebetancourt@lnpnews.com