PICTURE THIS: Youths, senior citizens dance across the years

The seniors -- senior citizens, that is -- were escorted to the dance by youth ministry members and their friends, with the boys sporting shirts and ties, and the girls wearing dresses or blouses and skirts.

Songs by Glenn Miller and Frank Sinatra filled the room and went nicely with the theme of "In the Mood," as residents and their "dates" had their pictures taken to commemorate the event.

The Senior Prom, planned for several months, brought together high school students in the youth ministry and their friends from such high schools as Voorheesville, Guilderland, the Academy of the Holy Names and Bishop Maginn.

Each student escorted a resident, and some residents were lucky enough to have two "dates" for the dance. Residents dressed up for the occasion and wore smiles during the prom, after which they received carnations.

Youth ministry members weren't the only ones who lent a hand with the dance; fifth-grade students from Christ the King School made centerpieces for the tables, and middle school students created padded frames for the pictures of residents and the high school students who escorted them, according to Nancy Paino, pastoral associate for faith formation at Christ the King.

Among those enjoying themselves at the prom were Pete Schwan, a Guilderland High School junior and a parishioner of St. Catherine of Siena Church in Albany, and Sister Rolande Cassidy, SNJM.

Not only was Sister Rolande excited to be at the dance, she was celebrating her 60th anniversary in the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary. She and Pete had their picture taken, and she received flowers to mark the occasion. Earlier in the day, she was given a big cake to celebrate her anniversary.

Sister Rolande is a former teacher at the Academy of the Holy Names and St. John the Evangelist School in Schenectady. She spent 21 years in Florida and came to Our Lady of Mercy Life Center a little more than a year ago.

The prom was a nice way for residents to have a good time, and Sister Rolande was happy that the youth would spend time with them. "People need that little bit of excitement once in a while," she said.

Music was provided by Anthony Giovanone, Brian Monaco and Andy Healy, all Guilderland High students. Anthony amused the residents and their "dates" with his debut as a DJ.

"We're going to play something a little more wild, so hold onto your hats and show me your dancing shoes," he said as Steppenwolf's "Born to Be Wild" played over the speakers.

A bit later, he told the crowd, "This next song is a request for Frank Sinatra for a beautiful young lady out there."

(02-11-99) [[In-content Ad]]