The Apopka Progressive Senior Prom: Years of fun, a generation to remember

From Orange County Commissioner Rod Love

Many of us can remember our high school days during the months of April and May when everyone looked forward to dances, graduations, and the prom. There have been many senior proms this year in Orange County, including one in particular that took place this past Saturday at the Hilton Hotel in Altamonte Springs. The Annual Apopka Progressive Senior Prom, now in its sixth year, with more than 300 people in attendance, including Apopka's own, Mayor Bryan Nelson, were at this year’s event.

District 2 Orange County Commissioner Rod Love

The Apopka Progressive Seniors Prom began as a suggested fundraiser by Ms. Earlene Watkins, a member of the Apopka Progressive Seniors Club, after she had read about a similar event that had taken place in St. Petersburg, Florida. Miss. Watkins shared her idea and findings with then club president Ms. Daisy Willis, who then created a "Prom Committee" to host Apopka's own Senior Prom, or senior citizen's prom. Dilbert Morris and Ms. Watkins were appointed as Chair and Co-Chair of the committee, respectively, along with Ron Brookins, Julis Gordon, Evelyn Johnson, Vera King and Rose Morris.

The Apopka Progressive Seniors Club hosted the first prom in May 2013. Since then, the attendance has grown from 50 to over 300 active seniors, family members, friends, business owners, elected officials, and many other community members. The Prom King and Queen are selected by club members and announced the night of the event. Every year, the event is organized like a traditional prom: Crowning of the King and Queen; recognition of their Court; and the first dance. In 2016, the Prom Committee recommended Attorney Gregory Jackson, who is very active in the Apopka community, to serve as the Master of Ceremony, and he has served in that capacity since then.

Orange County Commissioner Rod Love, Apopka Mayor Bryan Nelson, and Greg Jackson. -Photo by Victor Watkins

I thoroughly enjoyed the Apopka Progressive Senior Prom for this specific reason: Historically, older members of our society have been valued for their vast knowledge and contributions to society. Today, I find that often times our millennials (not all millennials) fail to realize that they stand on the shoulders of giants. While times have changed and we must adapt to new technologies, new ways of doing business, and cultural changes, one thing that should remain a core fundamental principle is the importance of teaching generation after generation the value of honor and respect of seniors and their ongoing contributions to society. I encourage balanced and innovative community-based approaches, such as wellness activities and social clubs to support seniors in addressing some of life's challenges. We should continue to provide support in communities to make them as age-friendly as possible so that seniors can continue to contribute to society and have the best quality of life possible. My contribution will be to continue to teach my daughters the respect of “Yes Ma'am”, “Yes Sir”, “Thank You” and “You're Welcome.” In addition, character is not who you are when people are watching, but when no one is in the room and you make a simple phone call to grandma and granddad to say, "I just called to say hello and I love you".

As the second-largest city in Orange County, Apopka sees continued growth, but no amount of growth will ever supersede the value of honoring our elders. Thank you to the Apopka Progressive Seniors and seniors everywhere for your continued leadership and support.