Cupid arrives at senior center, dancing ensues

Cupid – along with a group of high school students – arrived at the Council on Aging last Friday, inspiring everyone to get up on their feet and dance.

The annual Valentine’s Day Dance, held on Feb. 9, brought together seniors and the 44 members of the Dartmouth High School National Honor Society. Students several days after school volunteering their time to prepare for the party.

“The kids do everything,” said Catherine Madsen, the faculty advisor for the group. “This is a way for the Honor’s Society to give back to the community and to get to know some of the people living in the community. It’s a way for generations to interact and hear the music that their guests grew up with.”

The senior center looked as though it were struck by Cupid’s arrow, complete with red and pink hearts and carnations. Patrick Kitchen, student president of the Honor Society, said he and his classmates spent two days creating the adornments for the party. All the food they served was made by the students as well.

The highlight of the event is the dance floor. To prepare for the occasion, the Dartmouth High students take a crash course on busting a move.

“We practiced one day after school with the incomparable fitness teacher Kathy Gaspar,” said Kitchen. “She taught us the cha-cha and the waltz. We’re anxious to show off our moves.”

At times the teenagers and seniors clasped hands for a slow dance. When songs with an electric beat kicked in, the whole group formed a circle on the dance floor.

Kitchen said he was happy to see the Honor Society carry on the tradition year to year.

“There are so many organizations that value academics," he said. "But what’s great about the National Honor’s Society is that it transcends that. It encourages involvement in the community, exemplifying not only intelligence, but character.”

Next month, the group will be hosting a Family Feud fundraiser in support of UNICEF.