On Nov. 15, members of WJ’s Key Club rolled out the welcome mat for a very different group of seniors visiting WJ—senior citizens who came from retirement homes around the area to enjoy the club’s annual Thanksgiving Senior Luncheon.

The Key Club’s many activities are focused on helping the community and there was little doubt their guests were very engaged. They enjoyed the outing that not only took them briefly “back to school,” but also provided them entertainment, a festive setting and a Thanksgiving turkey meal with all the trimmings. 

Nearly 100 senior citizens from retirement homes, such as ManorCare,  made their way into the cafeteria which Key Club members had decorated in seasonal colors. There, guests relaxed and enjoyed their stay while some students served the holiday meal and others mingled with them. The senior citizens listened as the jazz band played in the background and the choir sang during the breaks. Their smiles and grateful responses made it clear that the event was a big success.

“The music is great,” said one of the many pleased seniors, Gail Pittaway, “It’s beautifully done”.

A feature of the days entertainment were the WJ Madrigals, dressed in Renaissance garbs and flowing dresses. They marched from outside, pleasantly surprising their guests with a different kind of entertainment. They sang songs in different languages, including German.

In addition to serving the meal, the students also cleaned up afterwards. After their lunch was over, the elderly guests showed their appreciation.

“The whole thing [was] perfectly done,” said Doris Rosenfeld, “It’s the right way to go.”

The WJ student hosts expressed that the hard work everyone put into the lunch paid off. They not only had done a good job but they made a huge group of people very happy.

“It’s a chance to give all these people a good time,” said WJ senior Ben Crites.

The smiles plastered on the seniors’ faces were what the volunteers were aiming for. Their hard work and diligence resulted in a great outcome for everyone. It gives the seniors something to look forward to each year.

“[The senior luncheon] is a wonderful tradition,” said Pittaway.

History teacher and varsity baseball coach Christopher Murray was involved in the luncheon as well. He was at the tables crowded with the seniors and students, enjoying the result of a great production. Although he is not the sponsor of the Key Club, Murray was a major help in putting it together.

When it all came to an end, the seemingly content seniors got up to leave and showed their graditute. Once again, the Key Club has provided the school’s neighboring senior citizens neighbors with a memory that will last into the new year.