Senior prom is an exciting time in a high-schooler's life. It's a chance to party with your friends before embarking on the journey into adulthood — and it's also an excuse to wear a great dress!
But the high school seniors at Miami's TERRA Environmental Research Institute wanted to do something a little different.
The student government at the high school put together a senior prom, but not for high school seniors. They threw one for senior citizens!
The prom was hosted at The Palace Nursing & Rehab Centre in Miami, and was attended by some 75 residents, all between the ages of 80 and 101, most of them grandparents and great-grandparents.
The seniors' families were also in attendance, as were the students. Held under a canopy outside in the warm air, the party was filled with music, dancing, and fun.
And it proved that no matter how old you get, you're never too old to party, just like an 81-year-old woman named Sarah "Paddy" Jones taught us not too long ago.
According to activties director Debbie Horvitz, the prom was a smashing success, with the students, residents, and families having a great time dancing and socializing. Many of the seniors got to reminisce about their own high school days, too.
Check it out below, and you might get inspired to listen to your old slow-dance song again!
[H/T: Distractify, ABC]
The students at TERRA Environmental Research Institute put together a “senior” prom for the residents of The Palace Nursing & Rehabilitation Centre in Miami.
The kids hung out with the residents and their families, played music, danced, and got to know the older members of their community. They also enjoyed catered food and photography by Shay Cohen.
And the senior citizens got to have a day of dancing and fun, as many relived their own high-school days. The attendants ranged from ages 80 to 101.
Eleanor Bessin, 101, is the oldest person at the residence, and has her own bittersweet memories of prom.
Back in high school, her prom date was the boy she wanted to marry, but he sadly passed away from cancer shortly after WWII.
However, Bessin was more than looking forward to her second prom.
There was even the crowning of prom king and queen.
Actually, there were two prom queens, because there was a tie.
Debbie Horvitz, the Centre’s activities director, noted that one of the prom queens and the prom king held hands for the rest of their time at the prom, which proves that the romance so many high school kids feel at their proms doesn’t fade!
The students came up with the idea for a prom at the nursing home while planning their own prom.
“It’s really heartfelt,” said school principal Caridad Montano. “They are very, very kind. This is a wonderful group of students.”
Seventeen-year-old Sabrina Rosell, president of the student government said that she just wanted to “make [the residents] feel special. I think ultimately the biggest thing is for them to have a smile on their face. I know their families probably don’t get to visit them very often,” she continued, “so it’s just to show them that their community loves and cares about them.”
This beautiful gesture shows that no matter how old you are or what generation you’re a part of, there’s nothing that brings us together like a great party!
SHARE this sweet story if you think all seniors deserve our love and respect!
