Boys & Girls Club members put on Senior Prom

Music, snacks, games and conversation filled the dining room of Cedargate Healthcare on Thursday afternoon as the Poplar Bluff Boys & Girls Club hosted its second annual Senior Prom.

Club members dolled up the ladies with make-up and hairdos while the men were pinned with boutineers before entering the event.

“I love seeing how happy people can get by doing something as simple like this,” Boys & Girls Club member Bralin Duckett said.

Duckett, an eighth grader who has been a part of the club for nine years, added he enjoyed visiting Cedargate and being a part of making it a better place.

To prepare for the Senior Prom, Boys & Girls Club Eugene Field Site Director Kat Hall said members made all the decorations, corsages and centerpieces.

“Last year was the first year having (the Senior Prom),” Hall said. “The kids got together and decided they wanted to do it again.”

Boys & Girls Club members showed up during their spring break to bring positivity for everyone, including themselves.

“It’s a good feeling to accomplish something for other people and it brings them back ‘down to earth,’” Hall added. “And the residents like seeing the kids.”

Shelby Lutes, who has been with the Boys & Girls Club since kindergarten, wanted to be a part of the Senior Prom after a personal experience.

“My aunt was in the nursing home before she passed away and there were not many visitors,” she said. “I wanted everyone to be able to have a visitor today.”

Joyce Ricks, a resident at Cedargate said she very much enjoyed the entire day with the Boys & Girls Club members.

“I enjoyed the food the most,” she added.

Boys & Girls Club Member Alexis Wallace serves a dish of ice cream to Joyce Ricks during the second annual Senior Prom at Cedargate Healthcare hosted by the Boys & Girls Club of Poplar Bluff. DAR/Denise Kinder

Always trying to be involved in the community, Lutes said Boys & Girls Club has taught her how to help make the community better by being a part of something bigger than herself as well as be a leader.

Duckett added Boys & Girls Club is a place that gives students different opportunities they wouldn’t normally get to take part in anywhere else.

Diamond Weaver, who has also been in Boys & Girls Club since kindergarten, said the Senior Prom was a fun event and good for the community.

“This gave (the residents) a chance for some fun, something to do and to have visitors,” she said.

While helping with the Senior Prom, Weaver said she enjoyed talking with the residents and hearing their stories.

“Talking to some of the people, they had interesting parts of their stories to share,” she said.

Boys & Girls Club is a good opportunity to help students stay on track with school, she added, as well as learning about the community and skills to use as an adult.

In addition to enjoying snacks and ice cream, music and a little dancing, the prom experience would not be complete without a king and queen.

Richard C. was crowned king and Virgie M. was crowned queen of the Senior Prom.

Boys & Girls Club Members (from left) Bralin Duckett and Shelby Lutes sang for residents at Cedargate Healthcare during the Senior Prom as fellow members Diamond Weaver, Mia Osgood and Alexis Wallace listen. DAR/Denise Kinder