The lights are dimmed, cheerful lanterns are strewn throughout the hall, and nearly forty guests are seated at immaculate circular dining tables. The quiet buzz of their conversation create a monotonous drumroll leading up to the commencement of the third annual Senior Citizen Prom at our very own Valley Forge Middle School, hosted by the eighth grade leadership seminar. The Senior Citizen Prom is open invitation, although most seniors are contacted through Surrey Services for Seniors. Dinner, dancing, games, and prizes are all elements of the prom which attracts around fifty to seventy guests each year. The prom is decorated, catered to, and music for a particular theme provided by all the leadership seminar students. In the past, themes included ‘Vintage Hollywood’ and ‘The 50s’. This year, it was a black and white Masquerade Ball with Mardi Gras elements.
Since the beginning of September, and for some, last June, eighth grade leadership students have been working tirelessly to ensure a pleasurable, comfortable, and exciting (not to mention free) night for the elders attending. We organized fundraiser after fundraiser in order to gather sufficient resources to pull together a spectacular prom. After we had greatly exceeded the expected outcome of these sales, collecting more money than we had even thought possible, we set to work planning the night itself.
The planning of this Masquerade Ball was akin to that of a wedding—endless details piled up; a task so daunting it seemed virtually impossible to ascend the vast mountain ahead of us. Although mostly directed by us students, the prom, which took place on the evening of the 3rd of May from 5:30 to 8:30, was a smashing hit. The culminated effect of the elegant, intricate decorations, succulent food, and splendiferous music created a night that truly made us proud of our efforts. It was the best feeling in the world to see the work we had put in come to fruition, with everything perfectly balanced and the guests thoroughly enjoying themselves. Especially on the Friday before and from the morning to afternoon of the day of the prom, both seminar and non-seminar students and parents generously gave up their time to prepare the school; decorating, setting up, and working out the details of the event.
As guests arrived, they were awed by the spectacular explosion of streamers in the entrance hall. They were guided down the hallway leading to the stairs and elevator on a red carpet lined with bouquets of balloons. As they stepped into the entryway to the cafeteria, a magnificent sight met their eyes. Beautiful, vibrant masks scattered the mural at the front. At the back, elegantly twisted streamers were strung up to add a splash of color on the brick wall. The tables, arranged in a rough circle around the chocolate fountain, were draped
in black tablecloths and surrounded by handsome
chairs swathed in white covers and tied with a shimmery bow at the back. The centerpieces, simple yet lovely, produced a lovely contrast with the black and white. Over the windows, glorious black and white curtains had been hung, with twinkling fairy lights sparkling magically behind them.
Stunned, the guests accepted their raffle tickets, given to them by welcomers at a table next to the door, and made their way to their seats. They deposited their things, then walked to the front where an overflowing table of raffle prizes had been set up. After choosing which prizes to enter for, they sat down and chatted amongst themselves while waiting for the rest of the invitees to enter. In the corner, Mrs. Anne Sprissler played calm, quiet background music on the keyboard to ease the atmosphere. Around 6:10, all but one bank of lights were turned off, bringing the shining fairy lights sharply into attention of everyone present.
Through three courses, jeopardy, and raffle prizes, the seniors laughed, talked, and enjoyed themselves in comfort. A few came dressed in masks, which added to the sophisticated atmosphere. The guests were wonderful; they participated in activities and got to know the student helpers at the same time. Speaking of which, nearly all of the students worked fantastically with the seniors, making them feel welcome and at ease; the whole night could not have gone smoother.
As the evening drew to a close, the Hot Taters, the guest band, played a few energetic numbers, ending the night with exuberant dancing and great applause. Slowly, the guests took their leave, beaming and thanking the helpers on their way out. A multitude of the seniors raved about how sublime the night had gone and spoke of having the seminar students visit Surrey Services. Showered in positive comments and praise, the staff gratefully helped the guests depart in high spirits, excitedly exclaiming how this year’s prom had again, been a successful event.
Exhausted, yet exultant and wholly satisfied, we who had been tirelessly working for days, weeks, and months raced about the school, tearing down decorations and euphorically ripping apart the aftermath of our hard work. In an hour, nearly a year of planning was enthusiastically erased. Clean-up came and went, and every person was left feeling relieved the whole ordeal was over and triumphant about the flawless event they had executed. It seemed strange that the project we had spent so much time and energy on was suddenly over, but the result had been better than anyone could have expected. Without a doubt, the 2014 Senior Prom was a spectacular event for everyone. As the seniors were leaving, many said that they could not wait for next year's Senior Prom!
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