Seniors can experience prom again on May 17

Senior citizens of Medford and Medford Lakes will be able to experience prom again on May 17 at Shawnee High School.

The Neighborhood Services Advisory Committee and Shawnee’s student council combined to organize the event.

According to Medford Township staffer Beth Portocalis, when the township consolidated the committees, it wanted to continue to provide services and programs for seniors.

“This is what we envisioned when the council created the board,” Portocalis said. “Without the rec council to be able to create these services, the committee can prioritize these services and support organizations providing services and events and things we used to do here.”

According to Portocalis, the council wanted to keep another way for the services and programs for seniors going. It’s the №1 priority for the committee to offer the event and to serve more senior citizens.

The prom will be an affordable social event, with tickets at $5 apiece, covering fruit and veggie trays, hot and cold beverages and desserts.

“We’re inviting them to join in a night of dancing,” said Heidi Krihak, substance awareness coordinator at Shawnee and member of the Neighborhood Services Committee.

The Shawnee Jazz Band and Shawnee Singers will be performing a night of 40s and 50s music and will be dressed for the occasion, according to Krihak.

Additionally, student council members will be dressed to impress. The students will be joining guests on the dance floor, Krihak said.

Student council has taken control of the project.

“The advisory board will help [the students] any way they can,” Portocalis said. “The students have really taken the ball and run with this.”

According to Krihak, the other schools in the district have held similar events and found success.

“The students are really excited. The Shawnee student council has taken on the event and the entire student council is involved,” Krihak said.

According to Krihak, more than 300 can attend the event. She is hoping for a good turnout.

“We hope to keep this going on for years to come,” Krihak said. “We hope it will open up more opportunities to interact with seniors for years to come.”

How to attend: Guests interested in the event must send a form with the number of guests, name, address and phone number. The form should be addressed to Carrie Randall at Shawnee High School, 600 Tabernacle Road Medford, N.J. 08055. RSVPs are due by May 10.

Tickets are $5 per person and can be purchased at the door.

The prom will be held May 17 from 4–7 p.m. in the Shawnee High School. The event is wheelchair accessible.