SHELBY—The youth of the Back to Heartland area (Huron, Richland and Crawford counties) organized the first area “Senior Citizen Prom” April 20 at Shelby St. Mary Parish in order to give back to those who have set a great foundation for the teens’ faith.

Those attending the senior citizen prom at Shelby St. Mary enjoy a meal prepared by the young people from the Back to Heartland youth group. (Photo courtesy of Shelby St. Mary Parish)

Themed “Fun in the Sun,” the afternoon consisted of fellowship, entertainment, food, door prizes and even some dancing. More than 100 guests registered and had their “prom” pictures taken.

The youth provided the entertainment, which included “Who’s On First” by Sarah Phillip and Elizabeth Lenz of Willard and a parody of the Julie Andrews song “These Are a Few of My Favorite Things” by CJ Aeillo of Clyde and Megan Flemming of Norwalk. Piano pieces by Shannon Spayde of Willard and Stasia Phillips of Galion; vocal by Colleen Korte of Lexington and a violin instrumental by Catherine Novack of Galion followed.

Bob Geise of Willard and Madeline Taddeo of Mansfield were crowned the prom king and queen by a random drawing. Door prizes were passed out and the 25 young people on the team served a meal of rigatoni, salad, bread and dessert, which was followed by dancing.

“This was truly a day of intergenerational sharing,” says Patti Tackett, Willard youth minister. “The youth provided service and entertainment while the adults helped in the kitchen and the ‘seniors’ got to sit back and enjoy the afternoon.”