Local seniors step back in time to enjoy intergenerational high school prom
By Sophia Fischer sfischer@theacorn.com

For one night a group of local adults returned to high school, dancing, dining and socializing during the first intergenerational prom at Oak Park High School. Hosted by the school's Students for a Cure service club, the Valentine's Day-themed event held on Feb. 13 brought together about 60 adults and 30 students.

"It's a wonderful thing to see the mature people of Oak Park enjoying themselves like teenagers," said Ron Stark, who attended the event with his wife, Penny.

There was no charge for the evening, only a voluntary donation to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, one of the organizations Students for a Cure supports. Gila Brook of Agoura Hills manned the donation table along with her son Benjamin, 10, who has diabetes and celiac disease.

The prom guests' generosity was overwhelming, Gila Brook said. During the evening Benjamin announced the total of more than $1,100 raised, and he expressed his appreciation.

"You give me hope that there will be a cure someday for diabetes so that I, too, can live my life without having this disease," Benjamin said.

Everything at the event was donated by local businesses, including decorations, food, raffle prizes and entertainment. Maria McGinley, an Oak Park senior, took photographs of guests and donated the $5 charge to the diabetes cause. Guest Herman Stern drew impromptu caricatures of attendees for $5 apiece and donated the amount. Music was provided by Time of Your Life DJs of Westlake Village, Simply Harps and the Oak Park High School Jazz Band.

"It was great seeing the older generation out there dancing with younger kids," said Ryan Ashley, volunteer DJ with Time of Your Life.

Joy Krieger of Westlake Village brought six friends with her to the event. Krieger's granddaughter, Samantha Futterman, is an Oak Park junior and member of Students for a Cure.

"The kids did a fantastic job. Once people come and see what it is they will come again," Krieger said.

"I haven't come across one of the kids tonight who wasn't wonderful, polite and friendly," Penny Stark added.

Students had as much fun as the adults, according to junior Tiffany Wang.

"I wanted to do this to give to others, but I got so much more back," said Ilana Kaye, a junior.

Oak Park Schools Superintendent Tony Knight and Oak Park High School Principal Lynn McCormack were on hand greeting the adults, as were school board members Jan Iceland and Mary Rees. McCormack hopes the community event will be an annual one.

"Students who worked on this event should be very proud of what they made happen," McCormack said. "Several of our guests told me as they were leaving that they are already looking forward to next year's prom."