Senior Senior Prom Produces a
Fun Afternoon
An energetic crowd turned out for this month's senior, senior prom at Huntington High School. Hosted by the Grandfriends club, the 20th annual event drew 191 senior citizens who were interested in having a fun afternoon.
This year's prom followed a Marti Gras theme. A group of more than 40 student volunteers distributed colorful beaded necklaces and doted on the senior citizens, who were served a complete hot dinner, refreshments and even desserts.
Teacher Anthony Troffa, a professional DJ, kept the music playing, offering up a variety of Big Band era hits, including some of Frank Sinatra's always popular songs. There were some more modern hits, too, that also suited the tastes of the guests in the school cafeteria, which was decorated for the occasion. Many of the prom-goers felt inspired to hit the dance floor, which brought more than a few smiles to their faces.
The high school students and the senior citizens got along exceedingly well, talking, joking and generally enjoying one another's company over the course of the afternoon. All costs associated with the affair were underwritten by the Grandfriends club, which fundraised throughout the year, primarily by holding after school bake sales.
Joe Ramano and Bernice Cummo were happily crowned the king and queen of this year's prom. The Grandfriends presented each of the guests with a handmade flower pen gift before the crowd filed out.
"It was so nice to provide an afternoon of fun for so many of our local senior citizens," said Suzie Biagi who serves as the club's faculty advisor along with retired library media specialist Camille DeCanio. "I am so proud of our Grandfriends members. They worked so hard at putting this event together, as well as fund raising for every dollar. Everyone had a great time."
The Grandfriends is an extracurricular club that fosters relationships and good will with the retired community throughout the year. In addition to the senior, senior prom, which is the club's annual grand finale, the group visits local senior facilities, builds thanksgiving baskets, goes holiday caroling, holds food and clothing drives for local food pantries and shelter programs and collaborates with other groups, always looking to constantly improve the local community and provide a dose of cheer to others.