450 seniors attend first Hillsborough County Senior Prom since 2019

Approximately 450 seniors attended the Hillsborough County Aging Services Senior Prom on Sept. 24. The gathering took place at The Regent in Riverview. It was the first time the event had been held since 2019. The pandemic impacted the celebration in 2020, pausing the tradition for several years.

Twelve couples aged 60 and older competed for the title of Prom King and Queen. Participants dressed in formal attire that honored specific countries and historical centuries. The themes ranged from Egyptian pharaohs to British royalty. Each couple represented a distinct cultural or historical era for the evening.

Rosie Cobb and Willie Williams, members of the Ruskin Senior Center, won the competition. They were named the Hillsborough County Aging Services Prom King and Queen. Their court included members dressed as Egyptian pharaohs, royal family members, nobles, and officials. The group coordinated their costumes to match the selected theme.

The event serves as a social gathering for seniors enrolled in the county program. Members of Hillsborough County Aging Services participated in the dance and festivities. The venue hosted the large group for the night's celebrations. The resumption of the prom marks a return to pre-pandemic social activities for the community.