Grab your partner

By Ashley Hopkins, news editor
Posted on October 4, 2007

Senior citizens donning spurs, boots and cowboy hats do-si-doed around the Festival Student and Conference Center yesterday as part of the Nursing Student Associations third annual “senior” prom.

 As part of the nursing program’s curriculum, students are required to complete a service project, and many end up working at various senior citizens centers across the community.  Throwing the seniors a prom has been one way for the students to give back to the people who provided them with experience in their field.

“I think it’s a good community service project for us to do to give back to the people who have helped us learn so much,” senior nursing student Holly Sacra said.

This year the event was country western themed and included a caller who taught the seniors to line dance, a performance by the Skyline County Cloggers and a photo center so participants could solidify their memories between dances.  In addition, gift certificates, knitting supplies and a membership to Curves fitness center were just a few of the door-prizes given out throughout the event.  Nearly everyone walked out with something. 

But seniors come for more than just the prizes.  The prom allows them to take a break from their day-to-day schedules, so they can socialize and get to know others, Lauren Burlew, the vice president of NSA said.

“I think it’s fun for them to come out,” she said.  “They like hanging out with people their age.  It makes them feel young again.”

Eighty-six year-old Lion Lucus agreed.  This was his second year attending the dance and he welcomes the break in his routine.

“I enjoy myself every time I come here,” he said.  “I just come to pass away time and get away from home.”

Seniors come for more than just a change of scenery.  The event allows them to socialize with others as well.

Ninety-one year-old Frances Unger attended the prom each of the three years it has been held.  She said she enjoys the company the dance provides and is thankful that JMU holds it.

“It’s wonderful for [NSA] to honor the seniors,” she said, adding, “If I found a good partner I would [dance].”

While seniors may enjoy the events, they aren’t the only ones benefiting from it — nursing students get a lot out of the prom as well.

“[Students] get a good opportunity to see [the seniors] in a more social atmosphere,” Linda Olsen, senior center director for the Shenandoah Area Agency on Aging, said. 

Kristina Kirby, president of NSA, also said this was one of the main things students can get out of the event.

 “[Students are] able to meet with healthy, fun people,” she said.  “We get to have fun with them.”