By Sarah Gray/Managing Editor
Prom generally marks the end of one’s high school career, a celebration of accomplishments, friendships, and a rite-of-passage.
On Friday, Aug. 1, the prom meant something more. This one was not a school-sponsored event focused on graduating seniors and high school juniors. Instead, it was a celebration put together for residents of The Living Center – a skilled-nursing facility that offers long-term care, skilled care, memory care and respite care.
The event was organized by the Gill Memorial Baptist Church youth group. Beneath a ceiling full of balloons and colored lighting, residents of The Living Center and teens danced together, twirling in wheelchairs, married couples shared good moments, and lots of feet tapped to some rocking Oldies.
The youth group holds an activity at The Living Center nearly every month. Youth Pastor Rob says it’s an important relationship they want to continue to build and foster.
“We’ve done volleyball, basketball, dodgeball, and now we’ve done a dance with them,” he said, walking through a doorway of streamers as the dance continued in the cafeteria. He, Pastor Dave, and the youth group members transformed the space into a dance hall, with decorations, a set up for their DJ, and refreshments. The Living Center residents even had a photo backdrop they could take pictures in front of during the event.
The residents were well-dressed for the occasion, as were the teens, who gave flowers to those in attendance. One woman handed off her flower for safe keeping as a youth group member took her hand to pull her onto the dance floor.
The fun was contagious. Some residents listened to the music from the common area, and several of The Living Center staff jumped in on the fun, singing along and picking dance partners. Senior Prom no longer only applies to high school. It proved to be a big hit for senior residents, with an afternoon full of entertainment, camaraderie, and simply a good time.
To view a photo gallery of the event, go to https://www.marshallnews.com/senior-prom-at-the-living-center/