Seniors shake it off, dance all night at senior citizens center inaugural ‘Senior Prom’

EFFINGHAM, Ga. (WTOC) - The Effingham County Senior Citizens Center hosted its inaugural Senior Prom, bringing together local seniors for an evening of dancing, memories, and celebration.

It wasn’t a typical senior prom. Instead of high schoolers, it was the 55 and up crowd.

It was also the first year the center hosted an event of this kind, and members said they waited weeks for the chance to dance the night away.

“I was very excited. My husband--he wasn’t so much excited cause he likes to be home, and I am who likes to go out. When we come, he has a good time, and he loves it,” said Elizabeth Kaflik, a member of the center.

More than 100 seniors signed up to attend, packing the Clarence E. Morgan Complex for this unique Promenade. As they drove up to the gym, promgoers dressed to the nines were greeted by staff passing out boutonnières and corsages. From a photobooth in the lobby to a DJ controlling the dance floor--there was no mistaking the night for any other kind of celebration.

Center director Theresa Johnson said the event, while fun, was also a great way for seniors in Effingham, Pooler, and Savannah to interact with each other.

“Socializing with each other, that is so important at this age because it combats loneliness, feeling isolated, and depression,” said Johnson.

For some seniors, this was their only prom, and they made the most of every moment. At the end of the night, the crowd barely wanted to disperse.

Diana Espinell, who teaches dance at the center, said she was thrilled to see the members show off their best moves and soak up every second of the night.

“Tomorrow’s never promised. So anytime you can just get out, have fun, do that thing that you always wanted to do, grab it, seize that day, and just do it,” she said.

Johnson wanted to host a senior prom for years, but the timing was never right until this spring. With help from county leaders and staff, the event turned out to be a huge success.

“My plan was to have another prom in a few years, but oh no, they told me just now, ‘Teresa, we gotta do this yearly,’” said Johnson.