By Michael O’Grady, ‘16
On Saturday, Feb. 1, Chaminade and Kellenberg High School students visited the Queen of Peace Residence in Queens Village to kick off the annual Junior/Senior Prom. This year’s dance was a particularly special occasion, celebrating the event’s 25th anniversary.
Before the dance started, each student, or “junior,” was given a card with their “senior” date’s name and room number. The Residents, in good spirits and wearing their best dresses and suits, came down to the dance floor to join their partners for the evening. Once the party started, the students and seniors were treated to a live performance from the band of Alex Basile. His group plays annually for the event, specializing in popular dance and rock tunes such as Johnny B Goode or Bad Moon Rising.
“It was a great night,” said Scott Kiley (from the class of 2016). “The Residents sure know how to dance.”
Before the festivities came to a close, the party stopped and the room quieted as the Mother Celine walked onto the auditorium stage. She spoke about how hard the Chaminade and Kellenberg students worked to bring joy to the elderly Residents, many whom were lonely and suffering before they came to the Home. The dance has long been one of the most anticipated events each year for the Residents. To show their gratitude, the Sisters presented Brother Michael Gillen, S.M. of Kellenberg and Brother Peter Heiskell ’86, S.M. of Chaminade, the coordinators of the event, with individual plaques.
To conclude, a handful of Sisters who had been at Queen of Peace since the very first prom came up to briefly speak about the event and how it had evolved over the years. As the night came to a close, the Residents and students had a wonderful evening with its great food, great music, and fantastic company.
…And The Band Plays On!