Over 40 students in Grades 9 - 12 from St. Thomas Aquinas High School brought a prom to the residents at Pinecrest Nursing Home on May 13th. The event was a huge success and was infused with smiles, chatting, dancing, reminiscing and pure prom joy for the students and residents. The initiative was completely student-driven. Grade 12 student, Annika, worked with Pinecrest to organize the prom. She talks about why the event was important. "This experience was important because it brought together different generations of our community in a way that would not normally happen without this prom. I think it's very important for the youth to volunteer their time in ways that benefit other people and this was a great way to introduce students to the residents at Pinecrest. I was overjoyed by the compassion the students demonstrated towards the residents. It was amazing to see everyone come together and enjoy themselves on such a special evening." Theresa Wilson, Recreation Therapy Lead at Pinecrest worked with Annika to organize the prom. She talks about why the prom was an important experience for the residents. "This prom was important for the residents because it made our residents feel special. The fact that these students took time out of their own prom to visit the residents was a very special experience. In the process of aging our residents often remember their younger selves more than their older selves. An event like this is so wonderful for them to reminisce about their own lives. Residents feel most energized and valued when they are connected to children and youth." The students visited the residents before their 1920's Soiree themed prom began at the high school. The Pinecrest prom was beautifully decorated in the St. Thomas Aquinas High School colours to support the theme. The KCDSB would like to extend a sincere thank you to all the students who brought joy to the residents at Pinecrest as well as the many Pinecrest staff members for helping to organize this event. This was a very meaningful event and we are proud of our students for leading the initiative, showing compassion and kindness and shining their light on the world.
Annika shares her favorite thoughts. "My favourite part of the evening was dancing with the lovely residents and experiencing the joy they were feeling. I also loved meeting new people and learning about their lives."
Taylor a student talks about her favorite experiences. "The smiles on the resident's faces, the hand-shaking and compliments were so heartwarming, they were so grateful that we went there. The few that could walk came up and danced with the students which was my favorite part because I got to talk and learn a little more about them and how it was for them when they attended their prom so long ago. My senior prom was their senior prom which made my night even more perfect."