DERRY — Local seniors enjoyed their own senior “prom” Sunday afternoon, hosted by Pinkerton Academy’s Class of 2027.
Pinkerton students have hosted the afternoon party for the older generation for many years.
Katie Page, co-adviser of the Class of 2027, said it’s a Pinkerton tradition to host the prom for area seniors, as classes pass down the community service effort to younger students at the Derry high school.
The most recent class taking on the senior prom will host the event every year until their own graduation.
Pinkerton freshman Bella Crovo said invitations went out to the area’s elder citizens hoping they would attend, finding names through not only Pinkerton’s alumni files, but also through lists of senior citizen names in the area.
Dozens sent back their official response that they would attend.
There was the usual glitter, music wafting through the senior cafe and plenty of room for dancing and socializing.
And the musical selections were geared toward the more mature listeners at the prom, from the “oldies” up to some more serene numbers perfect for waltzing or a fox trot around the room.
Many of the same faces attend the prom every year.
That included Dolly and Jules DeFoor of Derry, saying attending the senior citizen prom was an annual event they enjoyed as it gave them the opportunity to connect with friends while enjoying a few whirls and twirls on the dance floor.
For the students, it’s also a lesson in bridging the generation gap, and sharing their own lives and prom memories with their older guests.
Martha Swiverski of Hampstead came to the prom complete with a head-to-toe glittery ensemble.
A ballroom dancer for more than 40 years, Swiverski said she attended her own prom back in the 1950s while a student in Topsfield, Mass.
Sunday’s party gave her another opportunity to enjoy some dance moves she learned through the years.
But, Swiverski admitted, she needed a few dance partners so she asked Pinkerton freshman Oscar D’Amelio to help her with her ballroom talents and he took on the challenge, moving to the dance floor to help bridge some fun generational knowledge of the dancing world.
