Education

UHS students visit the Madison Center for Masquerade Night

By Tiffany Morgan, The Dominion Post

MORGANTOWN — Masquerade Night was the theme of Thursday’s celebration at the Madison Center.
Boas and masks were handed by Christine Behling, admissions and marketing director.
Behling said the dance had been a past event and she decided to “revive” it, to be something that would get the residents excited. In addition to residents in attendance, students from University High School helped the residents participate by dancing with them.
“It’s been a little while since they’ve had one, so we tried to get it back in swing,” Behling said. “They (residents) light up whenever kids come.”
With the idea brought to them, the residents had the option to choose a theme, and what they wanted was a masquerade ball.
Each resident had the option of picking out a boa and mask to use for the event and the students from UHS handed out cookies and punch before the crowning of the king and queen was announced.
Behling got in contact with the UHS principal to coordinate the students help with the dance. Kylie Croston, sophomore at UHS, said she loved watching how happy everyone was.
“I’m glad I could be a part of it,” Croston said.
Behling said she was happy to see the residents participate in something different from their daily routines.
“It’s exciting to see them be able to do things other than the day-to-day activities they do on a regular basis,” Behling said. “Seeing them be able to do something they haven’t been able to do in a while is exciting.”
Behling said the dance would not have come to life without the help of students and volunteers from Morgantown hospice.
“We honestly couldn’t have done it without the University High School students and the MedAssist Hospice helping out,” Behling said. “When people donate their time … it is beyond helpful. We appreciate it all.”