Pictured: Mayor Samson Steinman and members of Rahway High School’s Broadcasting Class and the MJROTC
Mayor Steinman’s second annual senior citizen’s prom, “Masquerade,” was, by all accounts, a huge success thanks in part to the efforts of 30 Kudos (the high school broadcasting class) and MJROTC students. The prom was held at the Rahway Recreation Center Friday, April 24, from 5-8pm.
The high school broadcasting teacher, Ms. Palermo, was first approached by the Mayor about getting students to assist with last year’s first-ever prom for Rahway’s senior citizens. They met several times during the year to decide upon theme, decorations and entertainment. It was decided to use the same theme as the high school, The Great Gatsby, and the Mayor generously donated all of the decorations to the students’ prom. The day before the event, the students spent hours setting up and decorating the venue. On the evening of the prom, the students arrived early to escort seniors into the hall and then served dinner, refilled drinks, cleared tables and danced with the seniors.
One of the Kudos students involved for both proms, senior Bianca Dominguez, noted that the event was especially nice because many of the senior citizens had never been to a prom before. “I think it was really well put together, and the senior citizens enjoyed it and really appreciated it,” she said. Rachael O’Reilly, another senior who has helped for both events, said, “It was so nice to see people in our community who are often forgotten about have a night to remember.”
The students are looking forward to assisting with next year’s prom. According to senior Mechi Brown, who served as the photographer, “Everyone had a great time eating and dancing and having fun. I am happy I had the opportunity to help. It makes me think of my grandparents.”
Submitted by Lauren Palermo
