HAMLET — Seniors danced the night away Friday during the fifth annual Senior Citizen Prom presented by Community Home Care & Hospice and the Hamlet Senior Center.
With the theme “Under the Sea,” the conference rooms in the Cole Auditorium were lit with blue and purple lights, tables were covered with sequined cloths and balloons of turtles, dolphins and sharks hovered over the tables.
Tonya Butts, hospice care consultant, couldn’t keep the smile off her face throughout the night.
“You asked me what my favorite part was, and this is it,” Butts said as she looked around the room. “Seeing their faces and seeing your work come together. They’re having the best time of their life.”
Butts said they started the prom five years ago to give seniors in the community a chance to get dressed up and have fun — especially those who might not have the opportunity to go out to events on their own.
Sylvia and John Harrington, married for 35 years, dressed up in coordinating colors of purple, but not on purpose.
“It was coincidental,” said Sylvia.
“She tried to dress like me,” John said with a smile.
The two said they heard about the prom through a relative and when they read the theme, Sylvia said she didn’t know what to expect.
“You can’t visualize it until you get here,” she said.
The couple didn’t go out on the dance floor, but observed those who did and caught up with friends as they passed by their table.
“It’s just good to see everyone enjoy themselves and have a good time,” said Sylvia. “Even those who are handicapped were out there dancing and having fun. I would definitely want to come back.”
Butts said the prom is also a chance to give seniors a prom experience if they didn’t have one before. Every hour, Butts would announce a prom king and queen and adorn them with a sash and a crown or tiara.
Sandra Elliot, who was with the East Rockingham Senior Center, said it was her first time attending a prom and was in awe of the decorations. And Charlotte Beck, also with the East Rockingham Senior Center, said she attended prom herself while she was in school and the night brought back some memories.
“There’s one person here I knew from school,” said Beck as she glanced around the room. “But it’s always nice to meet new friends.”
Beck said she had fun watching everyone dance and enjoy themselves. This was her first time attending the senior prom and she said she looks forward to next year.
“It’s nice to know someone cares enough to do this and volunteer their time,” she said. “This was an evening well spent.”
Out on the dance floor, guests danced to “The Electric Slide,” the “Cha Cha Slide,” and the “Cupid Shuffle.” There were also songs for pairs, and groups, to slow dance to.
Jordan Lear, a volunteer from the Richmond Early College, danced to a song with Jimmy Pendergrass, who was in a wheelchair. Lear said she heard of the opportunity to volunteer from her friend Makaila Artis and said she could see herself coming back.
“It was heartwarming and precious,” said Lear.
Artis said she was surprised and excited when she heard about the opportunity to volunteer at the senior prom. She said she wished she’d heard about it sooner.
“Seeing everyone get up and dance was great,” she said. “There are things out there for seniors to do and have fun.”
“Our prom better be this exciting,” Artis and Lear added.
