When we talk about seniors in the context of public school, we typically think of a 12th grader that is somewhere between preparing for that final step before the real world and ‘Ferris Bueller’. At Chapel Hill ISD, there is another group of Seniors that the school works very hard to stay connected with on a monthly basis. On the second Friday of each month at 12:00 in the Student Center at CHISD, senior citizens from around the community are invited to attend a luncheon.
Several years ago, this monthly meeting was established to make connections between those that walked the halls of Chapel Hill long ago to the students of Chapel Hill today. These guests represent Chapel Hill alumni, residents, grandparents and involved citizens. CHISD Superintendent Daniel Pritchett knows that these sage seniors have a lot of value to add to today’s learners. “Our senior citizens value the generational impact education can have on a community,” stated Pritchett. They are woven into the fabric of our school. This monthly event allows Chapel Hill ISD to embrace the knowledge and wisdom of those individuals, while continuing to keep these key stakeholders plugged into the “Happenings on the Hill.”
Guests are treated to a home cooked meal prepared and served by the Chapel Hill High School Culinary Arts students. Under the direction of Culinary Arts teacher Amy Eubanks, students learn and put into practice not only delicious dishes, but the art of hospitality. Interacting with guests, food service protocol and how to quite literally feed someone’s soul are all a part of the day. Eubanks and her students happen to always make a little extra in order to send home ‘to-go’ care packages for our golden guests.
Following the meal, Pritchett organizes a representation of students and programs to present to the group. Pritchett is always excited to showcase ‘the Chapel Hill A’s’-academics, arts, agriculture, athletics and advocacy. One of the most enjoyable meetings includes October’s Titus County Fair celebrations featuring student speakers, animal project exhibitors and creative arts competitors.
“To me, the Senior Citizen Luncheon is more than a lunch. It is a gathering of family. Chapel Hill is one big family, we love each other and love getting together,” said Don Thompson.
‘Mr. Don’ has been a part of the Senior Citizen Luncheons since they started. As a leader in the group, he helps to coordinate attendance, make new guests feel included and always leads the praise of students that are a part of the luncheon.
When asked about his favorite part of the event, he is quick to answer. “We love to get to hear from different student groups at Chapel Hill. Letting them share their talents, speak about their academic programs, and hearing from the student about how they’re being taught gives me a lot of pride about our school,” expressed Thompson.
Any senior citizens are welcome to attend and according to Thompson, he has a personal goal he would like to achieve. “I am pushing for at least 50 guests in attendance at each meeting. If we need the school to find a bigger meeting room, that is a good problem to have,” declared Thompson.
For more information regarding the Chapel Hill ISD Senior Citizens Luncheon, please contact Dawn Lockaby at (903)572-8096 ext. 797.