Enchanted evening evoked, created sweet memories

After weeks of anxious waiting, the evening was here - the second annual Senior Prom at Monroe Township High School. My wife, Lila, and I, as well as hundreds of members of the township's senior community, were here. It was the first of May.

Since we were guests at the last prom, we kind of knew what a truly wonderful evening they had prepared for us. We would not be disappointed. We were warmly welcomed by the students, faculty, administrators, school board members and all the cafeteria staff. They pampered us and greeted us individually as they circulated through the cafeteria and socialized with us.

Having spent my entire working career in the food industry, with a period in the catering and party business, I can fully appreciate the hours of seemingly endless meetings to delegate the different areas of responsibility, and then to coordinate them to bring them together seamlessly. And they did it all beautifully. Congratulations.

From the students who welcomed us, to the delightful young man who emceed the evening, everyone was wonderful. The very entertaining Jazz Ensemble, The Tonics and The Harmonettes were super. The Howard Ladell and Friends Band provided the dance music that made you get up and dance. The band vocalist was sensational. Their musical selections were the tunes to which Lila and I danced at my high school prom some 62 years ago. Aah ... the sweet memories they evoked.

And, did I mention the food? No, I guess I didn't. There is no way I can aptly describe the presentation of all those tasty, mouth-watering, superbly seasoned selections. The salad had three choices of dressings. The entre was made up of the most flavorful breaded chicken breast in a luscious cranberry-raisin sauce, complimented by pasta carbonara and string beans almandine. It was followed by a sumptuous dessert table overflowing with cut fresh melons and pineapple. The cakes and pastries completed a meal that any five-star restaurant would be proud to duplicate.

Thank you, Monroe Township High School, the school board, the administration, faculty, students, Ladell Band, district food services, custodians and sponsors. If I have overlooked any persons or groups, please excuse me. The joys, pleasures and wonderful memories that your combined efforts have given us will forever live with us. Again.

Ray Laby

Monroe