October 31, 2002

Devereux Glenholme Holds Senior Prom for Senior Friends

America's largest day of service is known as Make A Difference Day. Students at the Devereux Glenholme School have participated in this day of caring for others since 1996. This year, with the guidance of the school's new Community Service Coordinator, Nicole Groody, representatives of the Student Leadership Council elected to hold a Senior Prom for residents of New Milford's Butter Brook Hill Apartments and Candlewood Valley Health and Rehabilitation Center. The event took place October 26th in the newly refurbished Dining Hall of Devereux Glenholme.

Students formulated a budget, selected music, promoted the event through their weekly visits to Candlewood Valley, shopped for supplies, and gave the site an Autumnal theme. Hay, corn stalks, mums, scarecrows, pumpkins, leaves and a special photo taking area made for a warm and festive welcome to the guests. Glenholme's capable kitchen staff provided hors d'oeuvres, desserts and beverages. Ms. Groody personally invited guests of Butter Brook Hill Apartments through their Board of Directors, promoting the school and the Student Leadership Council.

The students exemplified a wide variety of skills in the planning of the prom. Contributions were obtained from local businesses that added either to the festive atmosphere or served as door prizes for the seniors. Students served as hostesses and hosts, providing positive interactions with the senior citizens as tunes from the 40's through the 60's played. Carnations were handed to each person as they arrived. Dancing began immediately, motivated by favorite tunes like "In the Mood," "Hokey Pokey," and "Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree." Photos of individuals and groups of friends were taken, then encased in frames made by the children. Socialization and the welcoming spirit of students and school staff made for a wonderful camaraderie between the elder guests of Glenholme's young teen-agers.

Completing the festivities, Lydia of Butter Brook Hill and Murry of Candlewood Valley were named as Queen and King of the Prom. The runner-ups were Peggy of Butter Brook Hill and Val of Candlewood Valley. Once announced, the king and queen danced to Moonlight Serenade.

Teaching students the value of giving is the basis of Community Service at Devereux Glenholme. Through this program, they learn to be active and involved citizens. Devereux Glenholme is a specialized boarding school that provides a therapeutic program and learning environment to address varying levels of academic, social and emotional development in boys and girls ages 5-18.