The NYA Senior Advisory Commission set an ambitious goal for 2024: to host a multigenerational dance, a throwback to the pre-COVID era's Spring Fling and Fall Balls. Unsure of where to begin, they reached out to Christine Ludford, the National Honor Society (NHS) Advisor at Central High School, for assistance. Though NHS Vice President Trey Gratz had already met his quota for volunteer hours, he eagerly joined the effort. With Prom Advisor Kelly Street's collaboration, the idea of a Senior Citizen Dance took shape, utilizing the school's resources and decorations post-prom.
The committee included various community members and leaders who worked diligently to bring the event to fruition. Local organizations like the American Legion, VFW, NYA West Carver Lions, and NYA Lions generously contributed, keeping costs low and ensuring the success of the event. Additionally, free transportation was provided through the NYA City Bus.
Reflecting on the event, some committee members expressed concern about the uncertainty of planning a new event, but the community's response surpassed expectations. "A new event is hard to plan for – especially how to get the word out and worrying about how many people will participate. It’s one of those situations where we had to try it to see if it did or didn’t work” said Karen Hallquist Community & Economic Development Director for the City of NYA.
"The Senior Dance Committee was hopeful of selling 30 tickets,” Hallquist said, “We were so pleasantly surprised when ticket sales came back at 61!" With ticket sales exceeding hopes, attendees enjoyed an evening reminiscent of the familiar memories of school dances of the past, complete with the infectious joy of the Chicken Dance. "When the music started it was kind of like a middle school dance – who would go first? Then the Chicken Dance came on – they were all good to go after that, " Hallquist said with a chuckle. Positive feedback flooded social media and is already building excitement for next year.
The event was an incredible example of what small-town collaboration can accomplish and underscored the enduring spirit of partnership between the city of NYA and Central Public Schools. Over the years, Central students have actively participated in various city initiatives, from volunteering for Food Distributions to pitching in on NYA Clean Up Day and Arbor Day events. Their involvement extends to maintaining parks and contributing to the betterment of the community. This partnership, rooted in a history of joint projects, exemplifies the tight-knit nature of small-town communities and the deep commitment to our community.
Recent collaborations have seen Central's industrial tech classes spearheading numerous projects, including the creation of community garden plots, the construction of the hockey warming house, and the volunteering at booths for Stiftungsfest. Additionally, the Central Arts class has left its mark with vibrant underpass murals, adding color and character around the community.
This longstanding partnership is a testament to the shared commitment to enhancing the quality of life in NYA. As the community continues to thrive through collaboration, the Senior Citizen Dance stands as yet another milestone in the rich tapestry of the connections between NYA and Central Public Schools.
"This event was our small town at its best! A fantastic partnership with the City and School, financially supported by our local civic organizations, and attended by senior citizens who deserve a fun event!"
Looking ahead, next year's Senior Dance is already on the calendar for Sunday, May 4, 2025, promising another evening of community celebration and joy.
