Sweeping the seniors off their feet
Girl Scouts host Hollywood-themed event to dance away the night with elderly residents
Glistening stars and a neatly centered disco ball accented the recreation room at the Brompton Heights Assisted Living Residence in Amherst on Thursday evening, as residents walked the red carpet for the “Senior Prom”.
The Hollywood-themed event was hosted by Williamsville’s Cadette Girl Scout Troop 362, under Troop Leader Kyle DeRoo.
The troop, composed of 10 incoming girls entering their freshmen year at Williamsville North High School, is working toward earning the Girl Scout Silver Award, the highest distinction a Cadette Girl Scout can earn.
“I hope this helps them to realize they are cared about,” DeRoo said as she snapped photos of residents entering the prom chambers. “I hope it makes them feel special.”
Nearly 75 residents, some in their most elegant attire and others more casual, gathered to hear the big-band sounds of the ’40s and ’50s, enjoy refreshments and, of course, dance.
Herman Woods was a permanent fixture on the dance floor.
“It’s nice, I’m happy to be here,” he said with a grin. “I’m an old-time dancer, I can do it all.”
Ruth Boje was excited to enjoy an event out of the ordinary. She remembers attending her own high school prom in 1951.
“It’s wonderful,” Boje said. “All of my friends are here.”
Resident Vincent Twardowski was struck by the dresses that were worn for the prom.
“I’ve never seen dresses as beautiful as these dresses,” he said as he and his friend Richard Tyson checked out the doings.
“I’m just really happy to be here,” Tyson said.
The troop has been preparing for the prom since last September.
The girls researched the music and culture of the 1940s and ’50s, hoping to get a better feel for the era familiar to most Brompton Heights residents. The girls even spent an afternoon with dance teacher Susan Kranz to learn the fox trot and waltz.
“We looked at ideas online, and everyone fell in love with the idea of a senior prom,” said Emily DeRoo, 14, as a recording of Judy Garland echoed in the background.
“It’s nice to see the seniors’ smiling faces, having a good time,” said Caroline Jette, 13, whose grandparents, Sophie Mae and Carl Jette are residents of Brompton Heights.
“Everyone here loves music,” said Sophie Mae Jette, who never expected to attend another prom. “If there is music, people will be here.”
And as smiles spread among the residents Thursday, it was clear that the girls hard work paid off.
Danielle Taylor, 13, could not agree more.
“I think we did a good thing.”
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