Plains school to host 'Super senior prom'

Plains High School will be putting on a special treat for community senior citizens with a prom and a chance to mingle and recall the old days when they had their own school prom.

“This event should be enjoyable for both the seniors and the students as it will give both groups the opportunity to share time, stories and learn a little bit about each other,” said Plains School Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Walsh, who came up with the idea to have a special prom for senior citizens of the community.

The “Super Senior Prom” is scheduled for Wednesday, March 20, between 1-3 p.m. in the school main gymnasium. The event is free, but those interested in attending need to call the school at (406) 826-8600, select option four and leave a message on how many tickets they would like to reserve, said teacher Ken Nelson, the advisor for the Plains Student Council, the group coordinating the event. “Traditionally the Plains Student Council looks inward, working on projects that are student oriented and student driven. I am proud of my crew, there was a need and they stepped into the void to fill it with their own labor and funds,” he said.

“Not only will the seniors enjoy sharing stories and reminiscing, but the students will get to learn the richness of the community and the importance of the past,” said Walsh, who took over as superintendent last year. She said they’ve already received some responses and the people seem excited about the chance to meet old friends and share memories.

The school is holding the event in the afternoon in an effort to allow people to attend without disrupting any important routines and it would be something fun for them to do in the afternoon, said Nelson, who’s been with the school for 23 years and believes they had a similar event before his time there. Ryon Noland, the high school principal, said the school’s regular Plains High School 2024 Prom is scheduled for Saturday, March 16, from 8 p.m. to midnight at the Sanders County Fairgrounds pavilion.

“I think it sounds like a great idea. We hope it will inspire reminiscence and create new memories,” said Nelson, who added that the event is for people 55 and older. He said they will have a selection of music for their era and some light refreshments provided by the school. “We will have music for those who would like to dance and some memory events to facilitate discussion and reminiscence of their prom,” he said. Members of the Plains Student Council have reached out to long-term care at Clark Fork Valley Hospital and to the Plains Paradise Senior Center to let people know about the event.

“Not sure if all the seniors will relive prom memories, but it is my hope that they will share conversations with other seniors and students. In this way both groups will be enriched by learning about the past, present and hopefully share a vision for the future of Plains and its richness,” said Walsh. “I want the community to see our school as a welcoming place for all,” she added.

Nelson believes that providing this type of outreach to the community will be fulfilling for both the senior citizens and his students. “Schools are the beating heart of any community. We hope by putting on this event it will be a chance for young and old to come together and brighten lives,” he said. “This Super Senior Prom is but a small way for us to honor and learn about the past, celebrate the present and work together to embrace the future,” said Walsh.