Some ‘Enchanted’ Evening at Senior Prom

“I didn’t go to my high school prom because my school was new—it was only the second graduating class in 1968,” says Dover resident Janice Anthony. “The staff wanted to hold it in the cafeteria, and many of us felt it should have been more special.”

Fifty-seven years later, Anthony went to her dance. The Dover Senior Prom, “The Time of My Life: Enchanted,” captured the enduring spirit and vitality of the more than 100 senior citizens in attendance. 

“I appreciate having a place now to dress up, see everyone, socialize, and dance,” says the 75-year-old. “I look forward to it.”

In collaboration with the Morris County Organization for Hispanic Affairs, the town of Dover hosted the much-anticipated event at the Sacred Heart Parish Center. The center looked ready for its own happily-ever-after—black tablecloths lined the long tables, balloons swayed in the air, and a regal throne awaited guests to capture their crowning moment. DJ Fercho kept the energy flowing and the dance floor full all night.

“For us, for Mayor Dodd, the seniors mean so much,” says Jordan Ramirez, Dover’s director of recreation and community affairs. “This event turned out even better than I expected.”

Dover resident Dorothy McGrath was grateful that her daughter, Maureen, convinced her to attend.

“It does [bring back memories], to a degree," she says. "It’s nice seeing all the people here.”

Maureen got a boost herself. “What’s memorable about these events is being with my mom,” she says. 

Dover resident Edna Hayes, 82, was having such a good time that she started planning for the next event.

 “I won’t miss the senior picnic,” she says. “I already got my cowboy hat and my boots!”

The prom prompted Anthony to reflect on her life.

“I came up here in ’72 to care for my mom, and I fell in love with Dover,” she says. “I’ve been here ever since. I worked at the hospital for 45 years. My friends are here, my supermarket is here, my church is here—I don’t want to leave. I told my kids, ‘When I don’t know my head from my toe, then you can come with a U-Haul.’”

Until then, she will keep dancing.

Click Here to watch our video recap.