Elks “Senior” Prom Bridges Generations

by Lisa Reisman

Tywon Davender and Johan Matos-Euceda modeling their new threads, courtesy of the New Haven Elks.

Amid the sea of tuxedos and gowns marking this season, the New Haven Elks Club staged a variation on a theme at the Dixwell Q House gymnasium: a literal senior prom, with seniors in years and seniors of the high school variety.

That was by design.  

“The idea is to bring the generations together to interact, to learn from each other, and to gain appreciation for each other,” said Isabella Windley, as 75 dressed-to-the-nines party-goers ranging in age from eight to 80 took in the festivities at tables decked out with purple tablecloths and candelabras.

Hosted on Sunday by East Rock Lodge #141 (New Haven Elks) and its women’s auxiliary, Pocohontas Temple #55, the second annual “Gala on the Avenue: Together Through Time” included students from Hill Regional Career High School and older residents from the community.

The event was an extension of the community service that is a hallmark of the Elks, formally known as the Improved Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of the World (I.B.P.O.E.W.), an African American fraternal order that emerged in the late 19^th century and in New Haven in 1907, when the white Elks refused to let African Americans join.

The Elks, which has become an anchor institution in the African American community, sold their longtime home, on the corner of Webster and Dixwell, in 2019. It was demolished in 2023, yielding to ConnCORP’s Dixwell Plaza redevelopment. In March, the City Plan Commission unanimously approved plans for a 6,000-square-foot lodge on 329 Dixwell Ave. that will also serve as a community center. The organization has reapplied for $2.6 million in state grants and plans fundraisers over the summer and fall.

“We find this intergenerational gala is a wonderful opportunity to bring forward our youth in the area, as well as some of the more seasoned members of the society,” Gary Hogan, local Elks Exalted Ruler (and Beaver Hills alder), told the audience. “It’s a way of building a sense of community, reducing isolation, and also a chance for them to share some wisdom with these younger individuals that are here with us today.”

Then came the youth showcase, with Hill Regional Career High School seniors Amiyah Hill and Montajah Beard reciting original poetry, a dramatic re-enactment by Aniyah Rice, and tenor saxophonist and singer Nevaeh Random performing her soulful rendition of “Can We Talk” by Tevin Campbell.

Random, the reigning Ms. East Rock Lodge Beauty and Talent Queen, competed at the Elks National Convention last August.

“Alright then,” someone called out.

Tywon Davender and Johan Matos-Euceda modeled their splashy new tuxes, purchased by the Elks, which they declared they would wear to their upcoming high school prom.

“Looking sharp,” someone said. Davender and Matos-Euceda beamed.

Ja’lise, Sienna, and Maliyah.

Watching intently were members of the Mary Newcomb Junior Temple No. 37, a junior temple for young girls under the auspices of the Elks, including Ja’lise Brunson, Sienna Gilbert, and Maliyah Butler.

“We bring in people from the community that talk to the girls, teach them etiquette, table manners, how to braid hair,” said Windley, president of the New England Elks. “We have affirmations that we repeat: I am smart, I am beautiful, I am a queen. It’s so important for young girls to think about themselves in a positive way.” 

Isabella Windley.

Local Elks’ Daughter Ruler Arlice Brodgon thanked the student volunteers for their attention to detail in lighting and decorations, and otherwise making the event a success. She asked for support in continuing with youth programming aimed at academics and life skills, as well as coding and CPR certification.

“The donations you make today will go toward helping us continue to assist our youth so we can help them help themselves do the things that they want to do in life,” she said.

“Just beautiful,” said Naomi Campbell, a retired Yale New Haven Hospital scrub nurse, as young volunteers served dinner prepared by ConnCAT’s Orchid Cafe amid the jazz stylings of Ricky Allen Draughn. “This is why I love my community and my city.”