UNION SPRINGS - Senior citizens in the Union Springs Central School District gathered at the high school Tuesday to celebrate one of the town's long-standing traditions, the annual seniors holiday luncheon.

Betsey Koon, parent partner coordinator for the school district, said the event has been held for more than 15 years.

“We just decided to do something to welcome senior citizens into the school,” Koon said. “We want the seniors to come in and see the school and the kids and give the kids the opportunity to interact with the senior citizens in the district.”

Koon said over the years, the event has been well received, drawing as many as 125 guests.

This year, guests were first welcomed into the library to spend a little time relaxing and socializing with punch and snacks before going to the auditorium for a performance by the band.

Once in the auditorium, guests were welcomed by Superintendent Linda Rice, who introduced the district's administrative staff.

“We're glad to have you all here today,” Rice said. “We are all so proud to serve in this wonderful community and we are glad to be able to have you all here with us today.”

Price explained that along with being a holiday tradition, the event is also an important opportunity to keep the seniors current with what is happening in the school system, introducing guests to staff as well as showing the educational opportunities, such as the band, that their tax dollars make possible.

The band, conducted by Steve Persad, ran through its repertoire of holiday classics before concluding with a grand medley of Christmas carols.

Guests then went to the cafeteria for a full turkey dinner, prepared by Bob Lockwood and the cafeteria staff.

While eating, guests were attended to by the high school's honor students.

Rice said over the years she has been involved, she has tried to get students from elementary to high school involved, whether singing or making cookies.

Along with the honor students and the band, the high school's chorale group closed out the afternoon with a performance and the middle school's art students created handmade Christmas ornaments for the guests to take home.

“I think this is real character education.” Rice said. “You can teach things like compassion, but I think this is the real character education, real hands on and being involved with others in the community.”

Guest Ken Pollard has attended these luncheons for many years.

Pollard, of Cayuga, said he has been coming for at least five years. He likes having the opportunity to see first-hand what is happening in the district and speaking with administrators to hear about new projects and programs.

“This is an opportunity for us to see how our money is being spent,” Pollard said. “I am very favorably impressed. I think we have an excellent school and it is good to see the students and to see the education programs like the band performance. I think this is a really great opportunity for all of us to learn about what is going on in the district.”