Deer Lakes High School hosts annual senior luncheon

Senior citizens in the Deer Lakes School District were treated to a holiday luncheon Wednesday sponsored by the high school student council.

The annual tradition has been ongoing for more than 25 years, according to school spokesman Jim Cromie.

Between 80 and 100 seniors attended.

They saw performances by the high school’s symphonic band, strings ensemble and chorus.

They were treated to a meal of fresh carved ham, herb-roasted potatoes with gravy, sweet potatoes, fresh steamed corn, fresh snipped green beans, baked rolls, pasta salad and dessert.

Wilma Prochaska, 80, said she enjoyed the musical performances.

“I think it’s fantastic. I really do,” she said of the luncheon.

Alyson Frank, president of student council, said the event is a good way to show seniors living in the district what their tax dollars are being spent on — especially the arts programs.

“It allows the senior citizens to really just get a glimpse of what happens here every day in the building,” she said.

Annika Miller, who also is on student council, said it gives seniors an opportunity to get out of the house and do something with friends.

“We have some senior citizens that were staffed here at one point or another. It’s also nice for them to come back,” she said. “Our teachers and our staff and our students still remember them, so it’s also like a reunion for everyone. It’s a very small school so we all know each other.”

Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Harmarville made a $2,500 donation to sponsor the luncheon, which was originally supposed to cost $10 per guest.

The donation allowed guests to eat for free.

Nicole Garris, a nurse clinical liaison with Encompass, said the rehabilitation center is gracious when it comes to supporting community events, especially ones that involve seniors.

“Our generic population is mostly seniors, so (it’s) something that we can help them enjoy and continue to do year after year around the holidays,” she said.