With corsages, a punchbowl and the prom royalty, the fifth rendition of Prestige Assisted Living’s “Senior Prom,” had all the quirks of a real school dance.

It was certainly not hurt by the 20 Glacier High School Honor Society students helping throw the party Saturday afternoon.

Sherry Mayeaux, Prestige’s community relations director, said the senior citizens treated the prom like they would any other major event.

“It’s such a wonderful event,” she said. “It gives them a chance to relive their youth.”

The 44 residents of the assisted living center were served dinner and listened to the tunes of The Golden Reruns, a local band also comprised of seniors.

Summer VanOort, the honor society’s co-advisor, said the Glacier students appreciate their time volunteering with the seniors.

“It’s great for the kids to develop those relationships,” she said. 

The seniors were given ballots the week before to vote for the prom king and queen. Harold Moen, 97, and Joan Salansky, 80, were the lucky royalty crowned. The two were helped to the photo arch where they posed for their photos with the emcees, high school juniors Noah Hill and Keaton Johnson.

“I just think this event is a blast,” Hill said. “We like to spend some time with the residents. They have so many interesting stories.”

His fellow master of ceremonies agreed.

“I really enjoy listening to them talk about their lives,” Johnson said. “Some have traveled their whole lives and have so many interesting things to share.”

The Prestige staff got into the spirit too, with some caretakers dancing with seniors. Some residents had prom-style dresses and corsages. The students were interspersed with the residents and asked about first proms, what the dances were like, and how things had changed. The residents range in age from the mid-70s to 99.

According to Mayeaux, the prom was one of several events the staff puts on for residents. 

A new memory care residence, Expressions Memory Care, will open with 20 beds on May 1. The staff hopes to put on events in that adjacent building as well, along with providing informative lectures on living with a loved one with Alzheimer’s.

Prestige plans on continuing the tradition next year, with Glacier High School’s generous volunteers and, of course, plenty of prom spirit.