LYNN — Senior citizens of Lynn showed that there can be more than one take on a senior prom as they danced the morning away Friday, and crowned this year’s king and queen at the Lynn Senior Center Prom.
“The prom came to light as a way to have something special for the month of June,” said Tania Freedman, elder services department program manager.
This is the second annual senior prom, and Freedman said it’s a great event for seniors because it allows them to dress to the nines and have some fun.
“[Also] to recreate a memory from high school, or create a memory that was never there for some seniors,” Freedman said. “You’re either having a nostalgic experience, or you’re having your first time at prom as a ‘senior.’”
The theme this year was floral, with tissue paper flowers made by the seniors hanging up on the walls.
The event included a feast catered by Brother’s Deli, a photo booth, a DJ, and party favors.
The 2023 prom King Joe Digregorio and Queen Mattie Valerie, had the honors of crowning the 2024 prom King Lucilo Nunez and Queen Betty Gonzalez. Both royalty pairs danced together on the dance floor.
“It was a transferring of power, if you will,” Freedman said.
Nunez had the vote hands down, Freedman said, due to his “generous heart.” He donates large prize items to the center to give away during bingo.
“He’s filled with charisma, and he has a genuine love for his peers and his personality just shines through,” Freedman said. “So, they nominated him hands down, like, all the votes went for [Nunez].”
This year’s vote for queen was especially exciting, as the vote was tied, Freedman said. However, just as she and others weren’t sure how they would solve the tie, one senior walked into the prom a bit later and tipped the scale toward Gonzalez.
“I would say that [Gonzalez] was chosen because of her activism, her advocacy for seniors, for this space to be utilized well. And, she’s out there,” Freedman said. “She translates in English and in Spanish.”
Along with crowns, King Nunez was given a bottle of sparkling cider, and Queen Gonzalez was given a bouquet of flowers.
