It was a night of celebration for grandparents of National Junior Honor Society students and senior citizens of the Northern Lehigh community as the annual senior prom was held.

The middle school honor society began the project as a service event 12 years ago.

To become a member of the National Junior Honor Society, students must maintain a 90 percent average for both seventh and eighth grade.

They must be involved in both school and community activities.

The proms began as the brainchild of then Principal Robert Mack who thought it would be a good idea.

"We've been doing it ever since, said Jason Graver, one of the three advisors.

The other two are Rick Eckhart and Sue Bowser with lots of volunteer help.

Students have a pumpkin roll sale in November to pay the cost.

This year, more than 600 rolls were sold, a record. Admission is free, though donations are appreciated.

This year's theme was A Little Bit of Country with a red, white and blue decorating theme with balloons and tableware in those colors.

Sunflowers brightened the atmosphere.

A get-acquainted game was for one side of the room to have pictures of country singers and the opposite side to have papers with names.

The two groups were to find the picture or name matching another person's paper.

Guests completed a game sheet asking questions such as: Did you attend Slatington High School? Are you related to an honor society candidate.

The eighth graders do all the work from cooking and decorating to serving - the service was excellent with a student waiter keeping watch to see if anything was needed and then to clear tables.

Salads and desserts were delivered to the tables but dinner was buffet style. It had been prepared by the students.

In the lobby, pictures were taken and placed in Little Bit of Country folders. The photos were free or for a donation.

Volunteer Dawn Kemery said the evening was sold out with 180 guests. She said this was her third year helping and was a pleasure.

"It is wonderful the thing these three advisors do," she said.

Cowboy hats carried out the theme with one girl seen wearing cowboy boots. There were even a few pair of overalls on members of the guest list.

The Rev. Haab in his prayer thanked God for "the chance we have to share for this senior prom.

"Our kids did an exceptional job," said Graver.