Manchester Students Help Seniors Make Memories At Prom

MANCHESTER, NJ — Prom season brings out thoughts of sparkling gowns and styled hair and dancing the night away.

And while it's usually associated with youngsters celebrating as they near adulthood, a group of Manchester High School students flipped it around recently for the residents of a local memory care facility.

Alcoeur Gardens held its Senior Citizen Prom recently for the residents of the memory care facility in Whiting, and members of the high school's National Honor Society came to help give the residents special looks for the event.

Natalie Lelievre, a Manchester High School alumnus, reached out to the National Honor Society for help.

The Senior Citizen Prom was held on the same date as the high school's Senior Prom, so four juniors who are honor society members jumped at the chance to pamper the Alcouer Gardens residents for the "Fly Me To The Moon" event.

The students, who traveled to the memory care facility with Honor Society Heather Staples, assisted with makeup, hair, floral arrangements, jewelry selection, and table settings for the event.

Manchester's student volunteers helped to roll out the red carpet for prom attendees, whom they helped ready for a prom luncheon featuring a live band and their friends.

The district said several student volunteers spoke about their experiences with grandparents who have struggled with memory loss, and parents who work in a similar field.

"Seeing the smiles and big reveal moments brought joy to all involved," the district said. "The Manchester Township High School National Honor Society looks forward to working with Alcouer Gardens in the future and truly appreciates the opportunity to play a little role in a grand event."