TRIAD Intergenerationl Senior Prom a Night to Remember
By Robin Vinci at April 21, 2024 | 9:00 am | Print
It was a night seniors look forward to all year long. A night for dancing, meeting old friends and eating good food.
Last Wednesday, over 400 seniors around Central Connecticut came to New Britain High School for the TRIAD Intergenerational Senior Prom.
“We sold all 450 tickets,” said Officer Carol Zesut of TRIAD. “We have volunteers from the parks and recreation department, the New Britain High School Culinary Program, E.C. Goodwin Tech, the Ancient Order of Hibernian Ladies and of course TRIAD.”
“I think it is wonderful,” said Marie Jones. “We get a chance to go out and talk to people. It’s very nice.”
Music was provided by Simply Swing and a Do-wop group also performed.
“This is a wonderful social celebration,” said State Sen. Theresa Gerratana. “Look at all the people coming from all over the City. It’s marvelous and fun.”
The high school cafeteria was dressed in the theme of the night Cowboys and Cowgirls. Banners read “Ye-Haw”, “Giddie Up”, “Howdy Partner” and “Yippe Cayeah!”. Tables were adorned with sheriff badges.
Mayor Tim O’Brien spoke telling the seniors that they built the City and made it was it is.
“It is a legacy of your hard work,” O’Brien said. “Thank you for everything you have done and we look forward to seeing you many years to come.”
“It’s spectacular,” said Bea Urso. “It was real great and the cooks were great too.”
Urso said her husband does not eat chicken and a special salad was made just for him.
“Just seeing the people enjoying themselves is wonderful,” said Barbara McKinnon.
“This is great. I wait for it every year,” said Evelyn Chudzik. “Now that my son is retired I bring him as my partner.”
Volunteers were learning a lot as well.
“I volunteered to further my career in the culinary field and gain exposure,” said Kael Rodriguez of the New Britain High School Pro-Start Culinary Program. “It’s good to have a positive impact on society.”
“I came to have more exposure in the kitchen and see what my future as a chef will be like,” said fellow student Jose Vazquez. “This is a great way to put a lot of my skills together.”
Greg Duwal video-taped the event and Mike Pastore of the parks and recreation department conducted interviews throughout the evening.
There were raffles, Magician Tony Leone went from table to table performing, a prom king and queen were named and music in the lobby was provided by the Steve Casillas Band. A special poem was also read by Susan Aparo.
“The music is nice and there is a great reason to come every year,” said a woman who wanted to be identified only by Sophie.
A sit down stuffed chicken dinner including appetizers, dessert and coffee was also served. All this and tickets were only $5.
