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Bringing generations together, one holiday breakfast at a time

As the holiday season approached, Forest Hills High School and Piedmont High School brought their communities together with heartwarming traditions that celebrated the season and strengthened bonds between generations. For 20 years, Forest Hills has hosted its Senior Citizen Breakfast, while Piedmont has been celebrating its event since 1983, thanks to the Junior Civitan and Interact Clubs. Both schools continue the tradition of honoring local seniors with festive gatherings.

Forest Hills High held its event on Dec. 11, drawing seniors from the community. The school band performed lively holiday music while seniors enjoyed their meals, and the chorus serenaded guests with classic songs. Art students designed festive placemats to decorate the tables, and members of various clubs served the food. An extra dose of holiday cheer came with a special visit from Santa, who posed for photos with seniors and shared in the celebration.

Revoeda Louallen, who has attended the breakfast for three years, brought her mother and cousin to share in the festivities. “I enjoyed the food, but mostly the fellowship,” she said, highlighting the event’s focus on bringing people together.

The breakfast holds special significance for community member Ella Hargett, well-known at Forest Hills for her long history and deep ties to the school. “I came here as a teacher when the school opened in 1960,” Hargett shared, reflecting on her years at Forest Hills. “This is where I met my husband, Ralph Hargett, who also became a staff member.” For Hargett, the school represents decades of family history.

Both of her daughters graduated from Forest Hills—one now teaches at Marshville Elementary, where she has been for 38 years, while her younger daughter works at a veterinary hospital. “This school holds so many memories for me,” Hargett said. “It’s wonderful that they not only make me feel special, but they make everyone feel special.”

Senior student Tyler Fincher reflected on the importance of the event: “It’s great seeing everybody happy. So many come back to visit the school they grew up in. They enjoy the breakfast and get their picture taken with Santa. It makes them happy and gives them that holiday spirit.”

Kaitlyn Grissom, a 12th grader and Future Farmers of America (FFA) Club member, volunteered to serve meals during the event. “Just being able to serve our community and give back to those who gave to us puts a smile on my face,” she shared. Though this was Kaitlyn’s first year helping with the breakfast, her role as an FFA officer inspired her to take on new responsibilities. “This experience challenged me to step up as a leader, and it’s been rewarding.”

Edmund Brown, the service coordinator at Cotton Street Commons in Monroe, North Carolina, has been bringing residents to the breakfast for 19 years. He connected with Principal Adrien Porter through their shared background at Claflin University, and the event has since become an annual tradition. Brown enjoys seeing the smiles on the residents’ faces as they socialize with other seniors, creating a special moment outside their community.

Porter shared, “Our seniors are the heart of this community, and this event gave our students a chance to show appreciation for all they’ve contributed. It’s a time to honor them and bring everyone together during the holidays.”

Piedmont High School held its event on Dec. 17, welcoming students’ grandparents and senior citizens from the neighborhood for a joyful celebration. Principal Dylan Stamey greeted guests warmly, sharing his gratitude for the ongoing support of the community. “I want to thank our senior citizens—don’t throw anything at me—but if you consider yourself a senior citizen, so be it. And if you don’t, welcome anyway,” Stamey said with a touch of humor. “Thank you for continuing to show up for our breakfast. Our students enjoy this probably more than you do. You’re always welcome at Piedmont High School.”

Piedmont Athletic Director Kim Cantey helped coordinate the efforts and ensure everything went smoothly, while student-athletes served the meals.

Kay Belk, an attendee, came to the breakfast to share the experience with her granddaughters and left with a sense of connection. “I just love being here,” she shared. “I see friends, meet new people, and enjoy the fellowship. That’s what makes it special.”

Sitting at the same table, Debbie Marcinko and her husband, Frank, attended the breakfast for the first time. Their oldest grandchild attends Piedmont and was serving at the event. Marcinko shared how the event brought new connections into her life, “Kay and I had never met before, but we hit it off right away.” A former educator, Debbie reflected on her experience. “My husband and I worked in schools—he even taught at Marvin Ridge High for 10 years. When you retire, you think you’ll step away, but you don’t. You still love the kids; you love seeing them, and it’s just fun.”

Senior Casey Sanchez, who served breakfast to guests, shared how much the event meant to her. “I like to help out in the community,” she said. “It fits my personality to take care of people and make sure they’re having a good time.” Casey was busy putting out the sausage and other breakfast items, and she appreciated the chance to make the seniors feel welcome. “I think it makes them feel very pleased to see that we care for our elders,” she explained. “It’s important for them to see that our youth is getting involved and cares about them.”

Senior Ethan Harvey was also excited to help. “This is my first year, but I love how the community comes together for this,” he said. “It’s all about building a routine and giving back every year.” Ethan, who got into the spirit by wearing his festive elf costume, was enthusiastic about the event's joyful atmosphere. “When you really get into it, it adds more to the fun,” he said. “I did it just to help, and I’m loving every moment.”

The Transition to Adulthood program students sang cheerful holiday songs, and a lively game of Bingo brought the event to a close. Guests with lucky stickers on their Bingo cards won festive centerpieces, adding an extra surprise to the celebration.

Through decades-old traditions and new memories alike, both schools embraced the true spirit of the holidays: connection. Students reflected on the importance of building relationships with their senior neighbors and honoring the generations that have shaped their community. The breakfast gatherings reminded everyone that joy is best experienced together.

The first 12 images are from Forest Hills High and the other 12 are from Piedmont High.

12/17/2024