Local senior citizens from across the community joined our middle schoolers for a heartwarming morning of holiday cheer at Lakeland Copper Beech Middle School’s annual Seniors at the Beech celebration. The building was buzzing with music and laughter as a student-led sing-along, along with performances by the band and orchestra, helped set a festive mood. Dozens of seniors and students shared a holiday breakfast and created ornaments together – one of the most cherished traditions of the season.
In honor of Inclusive Schools Week, students from the Best Buddies program joined in to help decorate ornaments, share food, and spend time with our guests. We were also delighted to welcome Town Officials, including Yorktown Supervisor Ed Lachterman, Yorktown Town Clerk Diana Quast, and Yorktown Nutrition Program Manager Noreen O’Driscoll, who joined Superintendent Dr. Karen Gagliardi and Principal Frank Ruolo for the festivities.
Guests wrapped up the morning with a tour of the newly renovated Library Media Center, where many seniors said they were “wowed” by its transformation and the exciting new opportunities it brings to students.
Dr. Gagliardi shared, “Seniors at the Beech is one of my favorite events because it celebrates connection between generations, between neighbors, and between our schools and our community. Seeing everyone come together with such joy truly captures the spirit of the season.”
Many of our senior guests told us they return every year because the students make them feel so welcome. One student summed it up perfectly: “I like coming to this. It’s nice to show the seniors what kids are doing in their neighborhoods.”
Thank you to everyone who shared their time, talents, and holiday spirit to keep this meaningful tradition shining bright!
