Seabrook Senior Prom Brings Out the Young at Heart

Two different types of seniors recently danced the night away during Seabrook's community’s “Senior Prom,” held in the Town Square Clubhouse in Tinton Falls.

Approximately 100 senior retirees from the active adult retirement community and more than 25 student seniors from various high schools, including Asbury Park, Long Branch, Neptune and Ocean Township, all participated in the event. 

The students were past and current high school students who work at Seabrook.

Many of the participants are recipients of the Seabrook Scholars Fund. The fund is a program where residents donate money to eligible students for their upcoming college or secondary school education.

The Scholars’ Fund recipients must meet certain requirements in order to be eligible to receive funding including, working at least 1,000 hours at Seabrook over a consecutive two-year period, amassing a proven exemplary work record and plan to attend college or trade school on a full-time basis.

Seabrook resident Joe Buccieri, who was one of the attendees said of the event, “Everyone had a tremendous time and it was great to get together with the younger generation."

"This type of event keeps older adults active and young at heart," Buccieri said. "There was essentially no generational gap because we learned that we shared at least three common bonds – we had a great time, danced and compared our lives.”

“The prom was a wonderful opportunity for our residents to enjoy themselves as they hearkened back to the days when proms were an important part of growing up,” Seabrook Director of Resident Life Gary Engelstad said.  “The inter-generational aspect of the event was an important component of the dance as participants traded music, dance moves and stories.”

The music ranged in style, from big band to swing to doo wop to disco. At one point, many on the dance floor got up and participated in the timeless “Y-M-C-A” dance.

And what would a prom be without a Prom King and Prom Queen? The resident king was Michael Donofrio and resident queen was Arlene Fox.  Students Lauren Smith and Niko Eugenis were named the school prom queen and king respectively. All danced to the Etta James classic “At Last.”