When the team at Catholic Charities of West Michigan reached out to see if I’d be willing to volunteer my photography skills for their “Senior Prom,” I didn’t hesitate. I’m always down to support our local seniors. But when I walked into Bella Maria’s in Norton Shores, I realized I had missed a very important memo.

I was there with my gear, ready to work. Everyone else? They were ready for Churchill Downs.

I’ve never felt more underdressed in my life. The room was a sea of massive, ornate Kentucky Derby hats, sharp suits, and vibrant colors. It wasn’t just a party; it was a fashion statement. But as I started clicking the shutter, that initial “out of place” feeling vanished. You couldn’t help but be swept up in the energy—these seniors were genuinely, infectiousy happy.

Between the professional portraits on the backdrop and the candid shots of the dance floor, I got a front-row seat to what AmeriCorps Seniors is all about.

Through my lens, I saw the Foster Grandparents—the kind of people who have spent their “retirement” years in classrooms, making sure the next generation doesn’t fall through the cracks. I saw the Senior Companions, whose simple presence keeps isolation at bay for so many homebound neighbors.

At one point, a volunteer—looking absolutely radiant in her Derby finery—joked that with all these photos, she was “going to be famous.” I didn’t have the heart to tell her that in the eyes of the students she mentors and the people she visits, she’s already a superstar.

However, the afternoon wasn’t all high-fives and horse-racing themes. There was a dedicated memorial table in the corner, honoring the members who had passed away over the last year.

As a photographer, you’re trained to look for emotions, but the shift here was palpable. The sadness was genuine. For some, it was a moment of quiet reflection; for others, the news of a peer’s passing came as a genuine surprise. It was a poignant reminder that while we were there to celebrate the “now,” the legacy of these programs is built on the lives of those who are no longer with us. Their absence was felt, but their influence was everywhere in that room.

By the time I packed up my lights, I realized that these programs aren’t just about “staying busy.” They are about community, recognition, and showing up for one another. Whether they are receiving Congressional awards for 27 years of service or just sharing a meal under a wide-brimmed hat, these volunteers are the heartbeat of West Michigan.

I might have been the one with the camera, but the real stars were on the other side of the glass.

Learn More at – https://ccwestmi.org/seniors/