97 year-old woman attends first prom, crowned prom queen at Winslow Court Assisted Living senior prom

Friday night nearly 100 residents at Winslow Court Assisted Living gathered for their annual senior prom night.

For one 97-year-old woman, it meant much more than a dance.

“This is my first time at prom,” said Merle Southern.

Southern was never able to go to her high school prom. Friday night was her first prom and first time being named prom queen.

“Thank you everybody that voted for us,” said Southern.

Southern and John Kaufman, 90, were voted as prom queen and king by their residents.

“I didn’t believe it. I’m just happy I’m here that’s all,” said Kaufman.

Every year, staff at the assisted living center organize a prom for the residents.

“You hear some of them say, I never got to go to my senior prom, because I had to work or didn’t finish high school, so we wanted to do something special,” said Dena DeAngelis, activities director.

Family members of the residents say the senior prom is something they look forward to every year.

“I just really appreciate they put this on every year, they let the residents get their hair done and makes them feel really special,” said Sandy Decororis, daughter of resident.

Students from Mitchell High School also volunteered their time Friday night.