Archbishop's web site Denver Catholic Register Parishes Catholic Pastoral Center
May 29, 2002
92-year-olds crowned prom king and queen
Mullen High sponsors ninth annual Senior Citizens Prom
By Mary E. Manley
It's the senior prom with a twist. Two 92-year-olds were crowned king and queen at the ninth annual Senior Citizens Prom sponsored by J.K. Mullen High School last month.
The elated royalty, Les Borland, a Thornton resident, and Terry Hitzler, a St. Mary of Littleton parishioner, were crowned at the April 27 event in which 230 senior citizens and 130 students were involved. Numerous Mullen representatives and parents also participated.
The royal couple, who this year were picked for their seniority, offered advice for living well in one's 90s.
"Bridge and dancing will keep you young," said Hitzler. A widow, she has attended the prom for four years.
Borland, a prom third-timer who has been married to his wife Laura for 65 years, said "leading a good, active life" is the secret to longevity.
This year's free program featured a patriotic theme highlighted with red, white, and blue decorations. Participants received VIP treatment as students escorted guests from their cars, danced with them and served them refreshments. Women got corsages and, as at any prom, guests had the opportunity to have a souvenir photo taken.
That Great Little Band performed tunes ranging from World War II classics to the Village People hit "YMCA." The Mullen drama cast performed skits from the musical "South Pacific."
Former Mullen parent Kris Bell started the ecumenical event in 1993.
"This prom, open to all persons 60 years of age and over, is a community enrichment activity in which the youth and their elders are able to give to each other," Bell said. "The gifts that the kids give are those of thanksgiving, time and effort. The elders give back their very presence, as well as their wisdom and graciousness."
The event started on an operating budget of $400, Bell said, but this year reached nearly $4,000 in sponsorships and gift items.
Chris Kelley, co-chair of the 2002 steering committee, said she was impressed at the willingness of students and other volunteers to give so much of their time and other resources.
Zaki Robbins, a Mullen senior, has volunteered at the event for four years.
"It has been a great opportunity to bridge the age gap," Robbins said.
Freshman Katie Polakovic, added, "It was really nice to see people's faces light up when we helped them."
Senior citizens said they appreciated the special treatment. Some, like first-timers Rae Jones and Joe Gonzales, members of Cabrini Shrine Mariachi Allegra, had never been to a prom before.
"Just look around here, what a wonderful thing with the treats and the corsages and all," Jones gushed.
Claud and Margaret Pettit, who are active in ministry at Berkeley Park Baptist Church, have been to every prom since it originated.
"It is good to come and see how many really good kids there are, after one hears so much bad about kids in the news," Claud said.
The Senior Citizens Prom will continue next April, organizers said. Mullen High is at 3601 S. Lowell Blvd. in Denver. For more information, call the school at 303-761-1764.
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