Bridgeville resident Joannie Savage was 17, a senior, and pregnant with labor pains on the day of her Seaford High School senior prom in 1975. Joannie never got to attend her prom that year, which is why she was so happy to attend the first-ever Bridgeville Senior Center Adult Prom on Saturday, Sept 12, at the Bridgeville Banquet Center.

An emotional Joannie commented, “I was at a loss for words and overjoyed, because that’s every girl’s dream to attend her senior prom in her senior year. It was something that I was looking forward to, but it didn’t happen. I wasn’t mad, just disappointed.” Joannie has been a member of the Bridgeville Senior Center for approximately ten years, and has served as a volunteer treasurer for three years.

When Joannie was made aware of the upcoming Adult Prom she called her oldest son, Traymane Savage, and reminded him that she never made it to her senior prom because she was pregnant with him. According to Traymane, he immediately responded, “Momma, I would be delighted to escort you to the BSC Adult Prom”.

After the prom event on Saturday, Traymane commented, “Today was exciting and fulfilling for me, I got to join my mom at the Senior Prom. This day meant a lot to both of us. It didn’t replace that missed prom, but I hope it gave her a moment to really enjoy herself. Love you momma!” Savage traveled from Cardova, Md., in Talbot County, the furthest distance of any attendee, about 30 miles away.

The prom itself was more than just a party. It was an event that brought the community closer together, and showed seniors that their presence, experiences, and contributions matter. It gave the local older adult population an opportunity to dress up, dance, socialize, laugh, fellowship, and listen to old school music, which was provided by F-Stop Entertainment from Oxon Hill, Md. A light meal of chicken wings, corn casserole, meatballs, turkey and ham sandwiches, watermelon, and various desserts was provided by Food Lion, Redners, Donnie’s Market, and the BSC.  Local businesses, family members, volunteers, and community organizations worked together to organize and sponsor the fundraiser.  Other volunteers and sponsors included: Rose Teagle, Von Massey, Kurt Bacon, Landon Ferrell (photographer), PAM Health, Amirah Mayes, Vivian Bailey, Mona Elko, and Nicole Brown from Delaware First Health. Door prizes were distributed throughout the afternoon, and BSC member Carly McCarty won the raffle collection of $200.

Other awards included the Best Dressed Couple Category to Don and Nina Kover, the Best Dressed-Single Category to Jimmy Treadwell, the Best Dancers-Couple Category to Royce Allen and Lisa Loftland, and the Best Dance-Single Category to Betty Mitchell. The Tyndall family was recognized for their extraordinary donations and contributions.

Another highlight of the afternoon was the recognition of the 56th wedding anniversary of Bridgeville residents William and Rose Teagle, who danced to their favorite song “Always & Forever” by Heatwave. The couple was given a flower bouquet and a card with a monetary donation inside, and later awarded the King and Queen of the Prom.

The prom venue was beautifully decorated by Davshaun Brewer in a black, gold, and red color scheme, and hosted by Megan Tyndall, Activity Coordinator, and Bernard W. Carr, President of the BSC Board of Directors, who came up with the prom idea.

At the end of the day, Tyndall expressed gratitude for the successful event, “I would like to take a moment to sincerely thank everyone who helped make our Senior Prom such a special and memorable event; from those who donated, volunteered, helped with preparations, and supported us in so many ways, I truly appreciate everything you did. Your kindness, time, and generosity helped make the event even better, and we couldn’t have done it without you. Thank you for being such an important part of our Bridgeville Senior Center family.”

Approximately 75 seniors of age 50 years and older attended the event. Agusta Carr-Ross was the most senior at 98 years old.

Joannie Savage was surprised when the BSC announced the fundraiser. She said, “You just don’t know how ecstatic I was. I had a beautiful time. I even danced with these bad knees. Y’all have closed a chapter in my life and I will always have beautiful memories of my first prom. It absolutely made me cry.”

All proceeds from the fundraiser are forwarded to senior activities and programs. For further information contact Tyndall at 302-337-8771.