Who says that prom is just for high school? After pre-planning for almost three months, the Memorial Manor organized a “senior” prom for its residents.

There were two nurses from the Manor that played a big role in making sure this event happened.

Kimberly Kelly, who has been a nurse at the Manor for a little more than a year now, was asked to be over prom by the administrator. She then got her coworker, Ashley Johnson, who is also a nurse at the Manor, involved and they made it happen along with the whole committee who showed up and made sure every resident was dressed and ready to attend.

The two nurses spent hours planning even when they were not at work.

The staff of Memorial Manor donated attire for the residents to pick from. Every day leading up to the week of prom, residents were able to have a fitting and pick their perfect attire. Invitations were sent out to family members encouraging them to be active in this event.  The prom committee, which consisted of Manor employees, enlisted the help from their own family, staff members from the hospital and even close friends to make this night possible. “A Night with the Stars” turned out to be a successful evening that the residents and community will be talking about for months to come.

“I enjoy planning events, decorating and I love my residents even more so I was ready to do what I had to do to organize this and make it happen,” said Kelly. “I knew I needed reliable help with making this happen so I asked my coworker and friend, Ashley Johnson to help. She was just excited as I was if not more excited. I was really shocked that it turned out to be such a big event not just at the hospital but in the community as well.  Planning was tiring considering that I work full time, work Med Surg PRN and is a full time student to further my career in nursing but when I saw all the smiles on the residents faces it was worth it. My favorite part about prom was when our administrator announced our 2018 court. It really melted my heart to see Jennifer Mathis, who was announced as our prom queen shed a few tears from being so excited. I am ready for next year!”

Memorial Manor resident Archie Reels said she enjoyed the prom.

“There is so much that I liked about it,” said Reels. “Oh, boy, did I love it. I know I sure did feel like Cinderella. I especially loved when one of the residents was singing a song by Whitney Houston. I just love her voice, and even the church song that a group performed.”

Another resident, Tamaki Brooks, said she enjoyed taking time to have fun.

“I felt really good singing,” said Brooks. “I wanted to dance more but I was afraid to dance too much. Although I am legally blind, the atmosphere and energy of prom made me feel like I could. I felt amazing. Oh and the punch was to die for! I am just ready to see what is next! Last month, I really enjoyed going out to eat at Ricky’s buffet and this month was prom.”