In the Caldwells: School Hosts 'Intergenerational' Prom

Who says that the generation gap can’t be overcome?

More than 200 West Essex High School students and area senior citizens enjoyed an evening of a buffet dinner and dancing at the school’s second annual intergenerational prom.

Students in the High School Key Club and SADD group spent the evening serving food, chatting with senior citizens and dancing.

“I think it’s wonderful that West Essex High School does this for the seniors,” said Florence D’Antonio, a senior citizen from Fairfield, as she chatted with student Andrew Rubinich. “It’s a blessing for us.”

The evening’s events included a balloon drop, a performance by an Elvis impersonator - Anthony Liguori Jr. – and the coronation of a prom king, Tom Farrell of the St. Aloysius Senior Group, and a prom queen, West Essex High School student Esha Parikh.

The balloons and the balloon drop were provided by student Joseph Klein and his business, Balloons by Joey.

Sponsors of the event included: Legacy Studios, Crane’s Mill, Pomptonian Food Service, Saint Barnabas Medical Center, Rand, Feuer & Klein, BCB Your Community Bank, Sunrise Senior Living, Bromilow’s Chocolates, Regal Bank, Rotary Club of the Caldwells, ShopRite, Corrado’s, Stop & Shop, The West Essex PTO, Calandra’s Bakery, Chiropractor Joseph D. Salamone and Il Panino.

Photos courtesy of Allison Freeman

Photo 1: West Essex High School junior Esha Parikh dances with Barbara Robertson of Caldwell.

Photo 2: West Essex area senior citizens enjoy the West Essex High School intergenerational prom.

Photo 3: West Essex High School junior Andrew Rubinich talks to Florence D’Antonio of Fairfield.

Send Caldwell area news tips to eric.kiefer@patch.com