Grandfriends Club Throws Senior-Senior Prom

The 30th annual Huntington High School GrandFriends senior-senior prom was a festive afternoon for both the 100 senior citizens participating in this year’s event and the dozens of teenagers who turned out to interact with the residents of Sunrise Assisted Living on West Hills Road and the Town of Huntington’s Senior Center.

“To say fun was had by all is an understatement,” said Suzi Biagi, a high school business teacher who serves as the Grandfriends’ co-faculty advisor along with physical education teacher Lauren Blackburn. “Although it was pouring outside and the garden party had to be moved indoors it was an amazing afternoon. Our students were fantastic. They had been excited for months and even with the disappointing weather they never missed a beat and were gracious hosts and helpful to all.”

Thirty-four Huntington High School Grandfriends decorated, served, visited, danced and mingled with their guests as they expertly hosted the event. Handmade silk flower corsages, boutonnieres and centerpieces were lovingly created by the club members over the past two months.

“Lauren and I received so many compliments about them and the graciousness of our students,” Ms. Biagi said. “We are oh so very proud of every one of them.”

The event included scrumptious food served by the Grandfriends, great music performed by Rob and Patty Mead, a husband and wife duo who not only play seven instruments but sing like “songbirds,” and a professional photo booth provided by All Star Party LI. Fun was had by all, with goofy signs and props, giggles and poses. All costs were covered for the Grandfriends club’s fundraising efforts throughout the year.

This year’s prom King Ted and Prom Queen Mary Ellen were “tickled pink” as they had their first dance and then invited all the other guests to join.

Huntington sophomore Genesis Maldonado Caballero loved the event. “The dance was exciting,” she said. “Seeing the seniors dance made me really hopeful for my future.”

Sophomore Justina Hlenski was equally delighted. “I was happy to see that there were more people this year and the senior prom was so much fun,” the teenager said. Junior Belinda Velasquez summed it up by saying “their smiles made me feel a swell of happiness.”

Next year’s prom is tentatively scheduled for May 21, 2026. For more information, send a message to either Ms. Biagi at sbiagi@hufsd.edu or Ms. Blackburn at lblackburn@hufsd.edu.