Lynn’s SAAC Volunteers At Senior Prom
By Nikki Colonna
Staff Writer
The Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) is always getting involved with sports charity work locally in Boca, and recently they participated in the senior prom held for the elderly at Stratford Court of Boca Pointe, an assisted living facility.
Senior prom this year included numerous throwback songs that everyone in the nursing home could dance to while they were dressed up in party attire. Refreshments and food were served throughout the event.
“One of the key pillars within the athletic department is service, and that is why we put a high priority on our community service,” said Conrad Rhein, junior. “This is a fun night where the student athletes get to spend time with the residents, including both dancing and singing. It provides the students a chance to form relationships and spend time with close to 30 residents.”
As the night went on, anticipation gradually built as the partygoers waited to hear the announcement of who had been selected as prom king and queen. The big reveal happened at the end of the night when one of the SAAC members crowned the winners and they celebrated with a final dance.
“You can tell by the reactions [at] the nursing home that our committee brings joy to over 30 seniors, so they can feel young again,” said Mara Notkin, junior. “It’s a great event to be a part of.”
Student athletes involved in SAAC also help weekly at the nursing home for Tuesday night bingo. Everyone participates, making it a fun and competitive evening.
All service projects that Lynn athletes participate in raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, a non-profit organization that fulfills the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. The events are not only fun, hands-on experiences that provide the opportunity to give back to the community, but they also provide a very rewarding feeling.
“Last year, Lynn SAAC raised enough money to fund a Make-A-Wish for a 13-year-old boy named Kole,” said SAAC leader, Krissy Ortiz. “Kole is battling osteosarcoma and with the money we raised we were able to send him and his family on a Mediterranean cruise.”
SAAC members continue to help Boca’s community on a level that is mutually rewarding. The work they have done and will continue to do in the future is something that Lynn athletics prides itself on.
