Transforming Sunrise Assisted Living into a Parisian Paradise

Huntington High School’s Grandfriends club threw their annual senior prom for adult seniors for 125 plus residents of the Sunrise assisted living facility on West Hills Road. It wasn’t an easy task, but the teenagers were completely committed to the work at hand.

The seniors and the club members both had the time of their lives visiting, dancing, dining and living out their wildest photo booth adventures. This year's Prom King Len Vecalardi and Prom Queen Pearl Ciprano could not believe they were chosen (in a random free raffle). Len's wife and Pearl’s son joined the festivities.

“Our Senior-Senior Prom is our culminating event every spring,” said club faculty advisor Suzi Biagi-Quigley, who along with physical education teacher Lauren Blackburn have dedicated countless hours to the group.

“Our kids work all year long with the seniors doing monthly activities, visiting, and building unforgettable intergenerational relationships and memories,” Ms. Biagi said. “Some of which are a Halloween parade, Thanksgiving basket building, holiday caroling, a St. Patrick’s Tea or a simple card game, bingo tournament or art project.”

Membership in Grandfriends topped out at 108 this year. “Lauren and I are so proud of our club members,” Ms. Biagi said. “Our student leadership team grabbed the reins, meeting early mornings with us to plan and then run the club meetings. We are just so proud of all our dedicated members.”

“We are so sorry to see our amazing seniors leaving but look forward to next year,” Ms. Blackburn said. “We already have ideas. New members are always welcome to join us.”