Tuckahoe Seniors Step Out in Style

There may not have been a red carpet, or anyone handing out Oscars, but there was plenty of glitz, glamour, sparkle and shine on Siwanoy Boulevard on Thursday, as Tuckahoe High School seniors gathered in front of the school before heading off to prom.

And also reminiscent of Hollywood, the streets were lined with people snapping photos, although instead of paparazzi they were community members—from fellow students, to family, friends, teachers and neighbors, who came to show their support for this year's prom-bound seniors.

Maria Joseph, past PTA president, has experienced all of the hoopla of Tuckahoe's senior prom and it's legendary promenade, the before prom soiree, four times.

"I have six children, and each time it's something different, each promenade experience was very different," she said.

Superintendent Dr. Michael Yazurlo, showed his support as well. 

"What we have in Tuckahoe is quite unique. Promenade Night is a great tradition we have that everyone is welcome to participate in," he said.

Out of 65 seniors, 58 were headed to prom, which had a silver and black theme and was held at the Surf Club in New Rochelle.

"The seniors fell in love with the venue," said Angela Giorgi, math teacher, athletic director, and class adviser, "It was quick to get to, and it's located right on the water of the Long Island Sound. The Surf Club just completed renovations to its catering hall which made it most attractive to our senior prom committee."

And for this group of seniors, it's been a long road getting to the event. Each class starts fundraising for their senior prom early—in freshman year they hold car washes, in junior year they work the haunted house in October and the Spring Carnival in May, along with running football concession stands and 50/50 raffles. All the proceeds go towards the prom in hopes of significantly defraying the costs. And this year, it worked: The all-inclusive prom was $20 for seniors and $50 for their guests.

Next year's class is hoping to do even better: "I am already in planning mode for prom next year, our class did so well with Carnival, I hope the prom will be free," said THS junior Natalie Nisca.

Parents, of course, also have a hand in helping the students get ready for the big event. 

"I have been planning for this one night, a whole year, I saved money and we started looking for a dress," said Teresa Drummond, mother of senior Sheena, "Preparation was very time consuming but I am glad it's over. This is it!"

The seniors ride to prom in a party bus, which arrived at the school to pick them up.

"The kids love riding in the party bus, they feel like real celebrities," said Wilson, the bus driver, "The school doesn't really have to worry about the safety of kids because we transport them all there together." 

But not all the students chose the party bus-route. Seniors Andrew Stanson and Ricky Disotell, with dates Britteany Derenezis and Jade Cave, rode in a hot pink Mini-Cooper Limousine from Silver Star Limousine.

Silver Star owner Emily Darocha said the limo is the first one of its kind to be built in the U.S. and the pink color was customized specifically for the company. Having lost a niece to breast cancer, Darocha said Silver Star donates 10 percent of the rental proceeds towards breast cancer awareness via Eastchester's In the Pink Foundation, Inc.

In addition to the excitement of the night, there was lots of emotion, as well.

"Tuckahoe is a very close knit community where everyone knows everyone else," said Giorgi, "We have seen the kids transition from Cottle (elementary school), to the Middle School, and now graduating from the High School. They have excelled academically in every area and are just really great kids."

Some are the first in their family to graduate high school and go to college. Others have overcome various obstacles to get to this point.

Tara Harvey, mother of senior Anthony Harvey, said "Anthony is the first grandchild in the family to go to college.  He is a perfect kid, and he recently survived a horrific car accident coming home from school. I am so proud of him." 

Harvey explained "My brother Leon, helped raised him to be a great young man by providing him with a positive strong role model."

Leon, who was also there, agreed, saying, "I taught him everything he knows…well almost." Anthony will be attending Westchester Community College in the fall, followed by the United States Air Force.

For some students this will be the last hurrah before they head off to college. 

But the fun doesn't have to end for best friends and seniors: Jessica Bellamy and Alexia Copeland who have been friends since sixth grade.  They will be going to Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT together in the fall.

Tuckahoe High School graduation is on Friday, June 25, 2010 at 5:45 p.m.; In the case of bad weather, it will be held at Concordia University.