GW students and local senior citizens donned cowboy hats, boots and jeans for this year’s country-western-themed Senior Prom held Sunday afternoon in the Charles E. Smith Center.
An annual GW tradition, Senior Prom brings students and senior citizens from across the city together for an intergenerational dance.
This year about 500 seniors came from all eight wards of D.C., making this year’s event the largest ever, said Shannon Donahue, freshmen service and alternative breaks coordinator. About 100 GW student volunteers also attended.
“Senior Prom provides an opportunity for students and senior citizens to engage in intergenerational dialogue that allows them to learn from each other and enjoy each other’s company,” said Ms. Donahue.
A king and queen of the dance were named—Richard Crutchfield and Minnie Taylor—and crowned with matching pink and blue leopard-print cowboy hats. Guests received cowboy boot key chains and sheriff badges. Country-themed food was served, including barbecue and baked chicken.
“It was fantastic,” said Joshua Bailey, a senior in Columbian College of Arts and Sciences and student volunteer coordinator. For Mr. Bailey, it was the fourth Senior Prom he attended and the biggest and best yet. “Everyone had a great time,” he said.