(above, l-r) The high school students who participating in the Senior Citizen Prom at the Rahway Recreation Center, standing: Adam Clarke, Josalyn Montero, Jermaine Cunningham, Mikel Halsey, Allan Mota, Sam Dorielan, Joseph Williams, Brandon Menjivar, Brinae Williams; floor: Marcel Leach, Marcus Belfon, Lundia Josue, Amani Stacker, and Divine Vincent.
Rahway High School Students Volunteer at Senior Citizen Prom
On Wednesday, April 24, 2019, while Rahway schools were on spring break, 20 high school students, organized by Broadcasting teacher Lauren Palermo, volunteered their time to help with the Senior Citizen Prom at the Rahway Recreation Center. As noted by Senior Marcel Leach, “I have participated in this event for four years, and I love it. It is a great event and a lot of fun. I get to dance with the seniors who really know how to ‘get down.’”
This year’s theme was “A Night in Camelot.” The students set up, serve dinner, clean and dance with the senior citizens. Ms. Palermo has been working with her students on this event for many years.
“When I first was asked if I could get students to help, I was skeptical about the students’ reaction,” said Ms. Palermo. “I was taken aback by their enthusiasm and positive response. Every year since, the students are eager to be involved. It is such a beautiful and gratifying thing to experience! I was concerned this year because the prom fell during our spring break. However, the students were happy to take part.”
First-time participant, Junior Gaby Mendoza, said, “It was really fun to dance with the senior citizens. They were even better than me! I had so much fun!”
Sophomore Amani Stacker stated, “This was first time I went. The band was entertaining. Everyone looked great, and I hope to be involved next year.”
The students look forward to this annual dance and appreciate that they are also treated to dinner and a goody bag! Many years the decorations have been donated to the senior class for their prom.
Perhaps it is summed up best by the students:
Senior Marcus Belfon who has participated for four years, stated, “I always have fun. It is a great experience. All of the seniors are lively and have great moves on the dance floor.”
“I think the seniors enjoyed having us there. It was very generous of them give us dinner, dessert and a goody bag! I look forward to being involved next year,” said Junior Sam Dorielan.
“It was my first time helping. It was a fun experience. We got to meet some cool senior citizens who were full of energy,” said Senior Lundia Josue, adding, “I wish I had done it sooner.”
To borrow from Alan Jay Lerner’s lyric, on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, there was happily-ever-aftering in Rahway’s Camelot!
Photo by Rahway Public Schools
Submitted by Lauren Palermo
