Grandfriends Entertain 172 at Senior Senior Prom
Something magical happens when Huntington High School students host the annual senior senior prom in the school’s cafeteria. The joy is evident and the smiles are plentiful as teenagers and seasoned adults interact for several hours of food, conversation and dancing.
Huntington’s Interact-Grandfriends club hosted its 17th senior citizens prom earlier this month. A crowd of 172 turned out for the event, 23 more than participated last year. The group downed an Italian dinner and enjoyed tunes ranging from Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin to the Supremes and even the Village People.
Anthony Troffa, a high school special education teacher and professional DJ, proved adept at coaxing many of the seniors onto the dance floor where they were joined by several dozen high school students. The cafeteria was fully decorated, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Interact-Grandfriends club members finance the annual gala through bake sales and various fundraisers held throughout the year. The Huntington Rotary Club and Astoria Federal Savings Bank help out with generous grants.
The club’s faculty advisors Suzie Biagi and Camille DeCanio contacted dozens of senior citizen centers and assisted living facilities throughout the area to spread the word about the afternoon event. The seniors were made to feel right at home by their teenage hosts, who loved catering to the adults’ every whim.
“It was a wonderful afternoon for everyone involved,” Mrs. Biagi said. Huntington Superintendent John J. Finello agreed. “This is a very special event for our students who never fail to impress their guests,” he said.
Of course, since it was a prom, a king and queen were crowned. Jerry and Marianne enjoyed a traditional dance together. The seniors appeared to take pleasure with a break from their normal routines. There was plenty of food and refreshments and lots of conversation.
Interact-Grandfriends is an inter-generational program in which both senior citizens and teenagers develop an enriched relationship. It also serves to bridge the generation gap. The club also hosts annual parties, provides Thanksgiving baskets, offers holiday cheer and pitches in at other senior citizen social events in the community.
Throughout the year the club also visits nursing homes, assisted living residences and local senior citizens centers in the area. Visits typically involve a variety of activities including dancing, playing board games, baking, doing crafts, reading books, letter writing or just talking, listening and laughing, according to Mrs. Biagi said. But, the highlight of the year is always the senior, senior prom.
For information about assisting the Interact-Grandfriends club with financial support for group’s activities, contact Mrs. Biagi at sbiagi@hufsd.edu or 673-2001.
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