WJ hosted its 47th annual Senior Citizen Thanksgiving Luncheon on Thursday, Nov. 20, continuing one of the school’s longest traditions.

The luncheon brings multiple generations together and fills the cafeteria with laughter, dancing, warmth and cheer. The event is hosted and organized by WJ’s Key Club, led by President Gabby Scherr and Vice President Ava Wahl, and receives contributions from Leadership Class. With volunteers ranging from servers to table hosts, the club made sure to bring the entire day to life.

“I volunteered last year, and my grandma attended last year and she had a great time, so I wanted to do it again this year,” junior Jack Block said.

Some ties are carried even deeper from memories that span decades, as senior citizens get to feel a taste of high school nostalgia.

“[I came today] to be with the people and the food is pretty good. My brothers and sisters went to high school here in the ’60s and have had square dances here in the past so I’ve danced here,” senior citizen Tom Sellner said.

Others returned because of the welcoming environment they experienced in previous years.

“I was here last year and thought it was really nice,” senior citizen Jenny Lee said.

The senior citizens found how amazing it was to spend time around young people again. For many seniors, the event offered an opportunity to reflect on the passing of time.

“I really like to see young people and it reminds me that I was young once,” senior citizen Josephine Tseng said.

As volunteers served the Thanksgiving meals, the students and senior citizens talked about school, college, music, families and changes in the community. Some guests said that the kindness and attention from students is what keeps them returning year after year.

“This is the third time I’ve come, and it is just wonderful, and you young people pay attention to us old folks,” senior citizen Clara Jones Gault said.

In the middle of the event, the WJ chorus performed multiple pieces that earned applause that filled the space. Soon after, dancing began in the middle of the cafeteria, forming a dance floor surrounded by students and guests. The orchestra continued to play as more people continued to join in, which turned the lunch into a full celebration.

“My favorite part was definitely the food,” Lee said. “Some of the entertainment, like the singers and dancers was amazing too.”

Throughout the event, the friendliness of the students and the positive energy they brought to the room shone through. Sellner, who was a dance teacher and has danced since childhood, lit up during that moment, bringing a smile to those around him.

“All the students are very friendly and very outgoing, I love to see that,” Sellner said. “I was very shy in high school, so seeing these high schoolers be so outgoing and friendly is amazing to see.”

Student volunteers felt just as grateful to be part of the tradition. The luncheon offered a chance to meet new people and hear stories from members of the community they might never have gotten the chance to meet otherwise.

“I really enjoy hanging out with the senior citizens and talking to them,” senior Maeve Sullivan said. “Volunteering always makes me feel good.”

As the afternoon came to an end, many guests lingered, reluctant to leave the nice music and good conversations behind. The event once again proved why it has lasted nearly half a century. It is not only about food and performances, but it is also about bringing people together, honoring the past and reminding the community that every generation has something valuable to offer.

The 47th Annual Senior Citizen Thanksgiving Luncheon ended with full tables, full hearts and a reminder of the traditions that still make WJ feel like home.