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HOSA Students Participate in Annual Senior Citizen Prom, Celebrate Donors

Senior Citizen Prom

​​​​​​On April 18, students in Boys Town High School's Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) program had one final exam. This exam did not require a pen and paper, but rather dancing shoes and corsages.

Each April, Stevie Gass, Health Services Teacher, has her students dress up for a second prom at Remington Heights, a senior living community in Omaha, Nebraska. "This is like their final exam in compassion and caring," said Gass.

Gass teaches her students traditional dance moves to prepare them for the Senior Citizen Prom. Now in its 11th year, students wear their most elegant dresses and best suits to bring joy to the residents at Remington Heights and it is something the center looks forward to each year.

In addition to the Senior Citizen Prom, Gass and her students held a special celebration earlier in the day to honor Harry and Diane Van Trees. The Van Treeses have been long-time supporters of Boys Town's HOSA program and donate corsages for the Senior Citizen Prom each year, as well as grant scholarships to kids in the HOSA program.

This year, the Van Treeses traveled from Virginia to Omaha to attend the Senior Citizens Prom with Gass and her students. To thank the Van Treeses for their support over the years, the students threw a 65th wedding anniversary party for the couple complete with pizza, cake, punch and great conversation. Held in the Great Hall on Boys Town's Home Campus, the students surprised the Van Treeses as they walked in to the group singing "Happy Anniversary to you!"

Father Boes attended the party to bless the Van Trees' marriage and to give them an anniversary gift. "On behalf of Boys Town, we'd like to present you with our 100 Years Story. You've been a big part of that story," said Father Boes.

Thanks to the Harry and Diane Van Trees and to Stevie Gass for making the Senior Citizens Prom a special and memorable event for Boys Town kids.