The senior citizen dance, established in 2006, has returned this year following a short break due to a change of people in charge.
The Middle School Student Council decided to re-establish the senior citizen dance because they wanted to bring that connection with the community back again. Middle School Science Teacher and Student Council advisor John Wiseburn said, “After a brief pause, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. DeLoach, Mrs. Wichart, and I felt a deep calling to bring it back. We recognized that our community missed the connection, and we wanted to rekindle that ‘View’ family spirit.” The dance was held at the Middle School on March 6, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wiseburn said, “The dance is a high-energy, intergenerational celebration that serves as a vital bridge between our schools and the wonderful residents of Harrison and Mantua Townships. It’s a night where age gaps disappear, replaced by live music, dancing, and genuine human connection.”
In the past, senior citizen dances were a highlight of the school year. Wiseburn said, “The students created lasting memories, and the teachers had a wonderful time serving alongside their peers. It fostered a deep sense of pride and community within the Middle School. Most importantly, it was a night of pure joy for the seniors; they were cared for and celebrated, which made all of us feel good.” The dances allowed the community to come together and celebrate each other. Senior citizens were able to just enjoy themselves, and not worry about things like their age.
Over 100 students and 30 staff members worked together to prepare for the dance and make it successful. High School Culinary Arts Teacher Samantha Jones-Damminger (J.D.) organized the menu for the dance. A full 5-course meal was served at the dance. This included: green salad with apples, craisins, and feta with an apple cider vinaigrette, tortellini and spinach soup, baked ziti, chicken and vegetable kabobs, Mongolian beef noodles with Asian vegetables, various cookies, cream puffs, sheet cake, and fruit salad. Everything but the desserts was prepared by the High School Culinary Arts III and IV classes. Middle School Culinary Arts Teacher Dawn Collins and her current culinary arts cycle class made the desserts. The menu has a variety of flavors and types of food, and this was intentional. J.D. said, “A bigger variety suits large crowds.”
The dance included live music, performed by the Middle School Jazz Band and Band Teacher Gerald DeLoach. Wiseburn said, “Our Middle School Jazz Band performed as special guests, bringing the house down with traditional 1930s and 40s Big Band swing. Following them, Mr. DeLoach and a group of his professional musician friends provide music throughout the evening—ranging from jazz and Brazilian swing to disco and rock.” The variety in genres of music allowed every guest to listen to something they enjoy, whether they decided to sit and listen or get out on the floor and dance. Wiseburn said, “The music ensured an authentic, high-energy ‘Prom’ atmosphere.”
The dance also provided students with many life lessons and skills. Wiseburn said, “This is where education meets reality. Students developed professional hospitality and catering skills, learning that the ‘buzz’ of a successful night is built on hours of meticulous preparation and selfless service.” Preparing and working the dance didn’t just teach all involved literal skills, but emotional ones too. Wiseburn said, “The most valuable takeaway for our students is the profound impact of connecting with the older generation. It builds empathy and social skills that you simply cannot find in a textbook.” Working with the senior citizens allowed students to connect with older people in ways they may not have before.
The effort put into the dance by students and staff also does not go unnoticed. Wiseburn said, “It is a massive, unified effort that could not be pulled off without the total support of our administration, our dedicated maintenance staff, our faculty, and, of course, our incredible student body. We are all in this together.”
The senior citizen dance allows the school district to connect to its community beyond the students. It allows senior citizens to be celebrated. Wiseburn said, “This event showcases exactly who we are: a district that is talented, caring, and deeply connected to its neighbors. It reminds us all that Clearview isn’t just a building—it’s the heartbeat of the entire town.”
