Excelsior Springs, Mo. (April 12, 2025) – Marcia Hardy wore her prom dress from 1965. Lisa Walter danced with her teenage grandson. And Tim Coulter played a song that brought tears to a stranger’s eyes. At the Second Annual Excelsior Springs Silver Prom, the music wasn’t just background noise—it was a bridge between generations.
According to Laura Mize, Excelsior Springs’ own Neighborhood Specialist and a member of the Aging Well Task Force, 103 people came out to step back in time for the prom. Some even traveled from places like Independence and Lebanon, Mo., to gain insight on how to replicate the Silver Prom in their own hometowns.
Deb Workman, who contributed to the prom’s success last year, reflected on the event, noting how the Silver Prom “fosters unity within a community,” as it allows people to connect across generations. “Seeing high school students and seniors interact is a beautiful thing,” she said.
The Silver Senior Prom, an initiative of the Excelsior Springs Aging Well Task Force led by Mize, was inspired by U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy’s declaration that isolation and loneliness are becoming an epidemic. Mize explained that the prom, organized by a local committee, is one way to bring people together to help combat those challenges.
Throughout the evening, music was performed by The Bucket Band. Band member Tim Coulter shared how the tunes from the ’60s and early ’70s were intentionally chosen to reflect the era of many attendees’ own proms. “Watching everyone’s faces light up when a song from their past is played is unforgettable,” he said.
Jeff Barge, Director of the Excelsior Springs Senior Center, also expressed his appreciation for the Bucket Band’s performance, saying, “Having them was an amazing honor as they entertained guests for three hours during the event.”
Guests had the opportunity to win raffle prizes donated by local businesses, including a Bucket Band CD, gift cards from Walmart, Applebee’s, Sonic, Wabash, and Pizza Hut, as well as handcrafted items and more. The event was also supported by community sponsors such as Excelsior Springs Aging Well, Excelsior Springs Senior Center, Excelsior Springs High School, Excelsior Springs Area Chamber of Commerce and Trolley, Job Corps, Excelsior Springs Citizen, Excelsior Springs Standard, Jade Williams Photography, and Other Trails Coffee Shop.
In addition to prizes and dancing, attendees were invited to vote for prom royalty from each decade—the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s—as well as best dressed. Mize shared that everyone from the ’50s in attendance also received their own sash.
Those crowned royalty included:
- King and Queen of the ’60s: Jim and Marcia Hardy
- Queen of the ’70s: Betty Birka
- King and Queen of the ’80s: Mark and Lisa Walter
- Best Dressed: Tom Constantine and Lisa Walter
Mize emphasized that this year’s prom was a group effort, extending thanks to the Excelsior Springs High School Student Council (STUCO) and their lead representative, Grayson Grove, who said, “I love the Silver Prom because it brings together younger and older generations.”
Though Grove will graduate next year, Mize noted that STUCO will remain involved, and the group plans to identify a new student council member to take on his role in the planning committee.
As for the future, Mize and the committee are already looking ahead to the third annual Silver Prom, scheduled for 2026. “It’s inspiring to see how this initiative brings people closer,” she said, “and I can’t wait to see what we achieve next year.”
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