Nearly 150 Attend Intergenerational Senior Prom at Lawrence Twp., N.J., Skilled Nursing Center

This spring’s Senior Prom held at Lawrence Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center in Lawrence Twp. was an event for the ages – and for all ages. Nearly 150 attended the whimsical Willy Wonka-themed celebration, which brought together local high schoolers and residents of the Lawrence Healthcare Campus’ two skilled nursing centers, Lawrence Rehab & Healthcare and The Meadows at Lawrence, as well as their family members.

“A special community event like our Senior Prom is a wonderful way to bring generations together,” said Jenelle “Jay” Onyenemezu, RN, BSN, MBA, MPA-PPM, LNHA, executive vice president of the Lawrence campus. “When older and younger people meet, wisdom speaks and curiosity listens. Senior Prom will certainly be an annual celebration for us.”

Prom night featured the PRISMS band, whose talented members are high school students at the Princeton International School of Mathematics & Science (PRISMS) in nearby Princeton. The impressive group played a range of popular classic oldies to the listening and dancing pleasure of all in attendance. Event highlights also included the crowning of a king and queen; prizes, such as Wonka-appropriate golden eggs; and catered hors d’oeuvres and desserts.

“What a night!” said Lawrence’s Debbie Conroy, campus director of life enrichment, who organized the festivities. “Everyone loved getting into the spirit of our Senior Prom and coming together for a fun-filled evening.”

Located at 1 Bishops Drive, the 120-bed Lawrence Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center provides post-hospital, short-term rehab and long-term residential care. The 60-bed Meadows at Lawrence, on Morris Hall Circle Drive, features 60 long-term care beds. The Meadows’ six residential long-term care cottages were built around the green house residential skilled nursing model. The Lawrence campus also includes Lawrence Rehab Hospital and The Terraces at Lawrence, an assisted living community.