Wild Group Of Adults Gather For 'Young At Heart' Senior Prom

Thursday afternoon many Oklahomans went to prom and some of them for the first time, but it's not your typical prom. The Integris Young at Heart Senior Prom began about 20 years ago for senior citizens, and some of their dance partners include deputies, police officers and firemen.

“A great many of them were off fighting wars,” Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Deputy Kim Lopez said. “They were nurses in the wars, and many of them were working on farms, and many of them couldn’t afford to attend their senior prom.”

It's not the grand arrival you'd expect at a senior prom, but better late than never. They're still seniors, but not the kind in high school.

“We have been to every one of them and we have enjoyed all of them,” Sam Gillaspy said.

Sam and his wife have made it to all but the first one, but that's only because they didn't know about it. This is Sam's first solo prom. He lost his wife last year. He carries her picture in his pocket, along with the same spirit she must have loved about him.

“Oh, my goodness,” he said. “It’s a lot of fun.”

Sam is known for his swing dancing among the 750 seniors who showed up at the Cowboy Western Heritage Museum for the event.

Oma Bennett used to hit the dance floor, but now she'd rather just kick back and watch.

"Because I love it. There's always excitement,” she said. “I used to get up and dance, but I don't anymore."

With company like this, it's more about mingling and getting all dressed to the nines. It may still be hours before sunset, but we're all still young at heart.

The dance is one of many events the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office helps organize for seniors. Learn more information about the services.