Generational Prom Wraps Up Project

Everyone has a story, and Sidney High School students recently took the time to learn stories from a time well before cell phones and notebook computers.

It was a time when a work day started early and ended late. Women were frequently the homemakers, managers of the home.

Students from Sidney High School learned about life years ago when they decided to focus a classroom extension project on senior citizens.

“We were the ones who picked the project,” said Mason Nightingale.

The students decided to talk with senior adults, learn what life was like when they were young and what were some of the high achievements.

“We wanted to give them someone to talk to,” said Shayla Schilz.

The group of 13 students spent the first part of the experience interviewing residents of a facility in Lexington. The intent was to meet people from other places. Nightingale met with a couple who have been married 74 years. Schilz met with a woman who is known for her smiles and good attitude, and living more than 100 years.

“She’s just so positive,” Schilz said.

She said her first home was a chicken coop.

After their visits in Lexington, the students met with seniors in Sidney. One of the subjects had dementia symptoms.

“It showed me how people change as they get older,” Nightingale said.

Schilz said she interviewed three people in Sidney.

“It wasn’t boring at all,” she said.

Students met with about two dozen senior citizens in all.

The education didn’t stop there. Students then learned what it takes to plan a public event.

“It was a lot harder than we thought,” Nightingale said.

Students divided into committees: Communications, Prom, Donations and a Day committee.

The theme of the prom is “Once Upon a Time.” Participants can come in costume of a fairy tale theme, a specific time in history or in casual attire.

The Multi-Generational Prom will provide dance lessons at 4:15 p.m., with the dance itself running from 5-6:30 p.m. Attendance is free for all ages.