By Linda Brannon, Alabama NewsCenter
Thinking of senior prom usually brings to mind high school. But recently, more than 70 residents of Crowne Health Care of Eufaula donned their party attire and attended a Mardi Gras-themed senior prom in their honor. For some, it was their first prom and, according to Linda Railey, facility administrator, the nursing home was alive all day with anticipation.
“Our residents got very little sleep … they’ve been so excited,” Railey said. “They thoroughly enjoyed watching the transformation of our dining room into a Mardi Gras ballroom and preparing for the evening.”
They had plenty of help getting ready for their big night. Crowne Health’s beautician, Doris Thomas, said she was busy all day helping with makeup and styling hair.
She had extra help from volunteers from Eufaula High School’s Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) class and Eufaula’s RSVP organization.
“We had the most fun getting our residents ready for tonight,” Thomas said. “It has been like Christmas morning here all day,” she laughed. In addition to the volunteers, Railey and Thomas said the entire staff assisted the residents, along with many family members and friends who took the opportunity to spend the day with loved ones.
The event was sponsored by the Southeast/Farley Alabama Power Service Organization (APSO) chapter and, according to event chairman Brooke Goff, it was a labor of love. “My grandfather lived here before he passed away and the residents here have always been special to me. When we were looking for a worthy project, we knew we wanted to do something for the older residents in our community and my mind immediately came here and the chapter agreed.”
Along with music and refreshments, the residents enjoyed visiting with one another and family and friends. The dance floor was active and, of course, no prom would be complete without the crowning of a king and queen. That honor went to residents Willie Harris and Gracie Woodley.
“This has truly been a special occasion for our residents,” Railey said. “Literally, Alabama Power is lighting up the lives of these special people tonight, and we are very thankful.”
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published February 22, 2018, by Alabama NewsCenter. Click here to read the article on Alabama NewsCenter.
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- Crowne Health Care of Eufaula resident Louise Smith and Alabama Power Service Organization Volunteer Christopher Goff. Christopher is an Alabama Power Company lineman in Headland.
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- Crowne Health Care of Eufaula rehab patient Sport Smith with his guest, Rosie Croney.
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- Prom King Willie Harris really knows how to “cut a rug!” King Harris never slowed down and danced with all the eligible ladies!
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- Prom Queen Gracie Woodley is always the life of the party! Using a wheelchair doesn’t interfere with her ability to “boogie!”
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- Resident Eddie Allen is escorted into the Senior Masquerade Prom by Brooke Goff, Volunteer with Alabama Power Service Organization. Brooke is the Executive Secretary, Southeast Division of Alabama Power Company. Although Mr. Allen is a quiet man, he loves to be where the action is happening!
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- Resident Florence Glenn loves to dress up and put on her dancing shoes. She could have danced the night away!
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- Resident Elita Williams sang her heart out with the DJ during the prom. Give this lady a microphone, she’s ready!
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- Residents Melissa Holloway and Isaiah Owens are social butterflies and love to be in the middle of the action!
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- Frances Peavy enjoyed the Senior Prom. Even her Masquerade mask could not hide the light in her beautiful eyes!
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- Decorations and props for the Senior Prom and Masquerade Ball.
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- Formal invitation for the Senior Prom and Masquerade Ball.
