Residents of Mount Alverna Village entered the Frankino Life Enrichment Center through a floral arch as they gathered for a special prom organized by some students from Padua Franciscan High School, located just across State Road in Parma.
A student played piano as residents in wheelchairs were guided along a heart-studded floor runner to seats at decorated tables. Family members and guests joined the staff and students for the prom. Some of the guests dressed up especially for the occasion.
Patrick Welsh, Mount Alverna executive director, said the prom has been an annual event for a number of years, but this year, the Padua students offered to organize it.
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“They did a wonderful job,” he said while preparing to help serve food to the guests at the Feb. 15 celebration.
Two students rotated playing a piano on the stage as others mingled with guests to ensure they were comfortable. The atmosphere was festive with hearts, streamers, flowers and Valentine’s Day decorations in the room. The Padua Art Club produced invitations and posters to promote the prom and made decorations for the event. The Garden Club made floral centerpieces for the tables and the retreat team painted cards for event attendees that were distributed as they left, along with goody bags containing candy. Students had been planning the prom since September.
Tim Evans, Padua’s director of service, said the school has a long relationship with Mount Alverna, a ministry of the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago. Students visit the senior living facility regularly to volunteer, doing things like painting residents’ nails, singing, performing music, distributing holy Communion, making greeting cards and visiting residents.
He credited seniors Lizzy Tuel, Courtney Dubam, Layla Culpepper, Paige Muhvic and Marissa Castro with planning the prom.
“I wanted to make this event happen because as a senior myself, I am excited about my own upcoming prom. And I love the joy of being able to prepare for it and actually have fun at the dance. I wanted to allow the resident of the nursing home to be able to experience this joy, excitement and anticipation once again,” Lizzy said.
Students chatted with residents, asking them if they remembered their own prom, as they distributed plates of refreshments and beverages.
Eight kings and queens were selected to represent various units at the facility: Maureen and Dennis, memory support; George and Josephine, assisted living 2; Michael and Mary Ann, assisted living 1; and Wally and Shelly, assisted living 3.
A highlight of the afternoon was a special dance featuring students and each of the kings and queens. Student and staff members also danced in a conga line throughout the room, to the delight of residents.
Sandy Dukes, Mount Alverna director of life enrichment, said all residents were invited to the prom, with about 60 attending. About 20 Padua students assisted with the event.
“I had such a good time. Thank you,” one resident said as she received her card and goody bag.