Seniors enjoy holiday entertainment, food at Baker School (PHOTOS)

Ina Fountain, left, and Gerald Martello, right, pass through a buffet line during Thursday's Senior Citizens Banquet in Baker School's lunchroom. Area senior citizens were treated to a free meal prepared by the school's culinary program, and attendees enjoyed holiday-themed performances by the school's drama program and high school band.

BAKER — Several senior citizens who attended Thursday's Baker School Senior Citizens Banquet said they appreciated the gesture.

"I loved it all, but I especially enjoyed the (high school band's) music"  Joyce Troyer said.

Troyer, a 1950 Baker graduate, attended the event with her husband, Cliff. The Troyers are regulars.  

See an image gallery of Baker School's Senior Citizens Banquet>>

"We come every year and enjoy it every year, " Cliff said.

Students in the high school leadership program and Student Government Association, along with younger students, organized the banquet.

"Students in kindergarten through third grade made the place mats and third-graders made the corsages for (the female) attendees," leadership instructor Denise Gronberg said.

"I am really proud of all of them," she said. "They do an outstanding job every year."

The occasion included a meal and door prizes. Culinary students prepared meals of turkey, dressing, side items and dessert. ROTC members presented the colors while student Alex Roy performed the Pledge of Allegiance and sang "Do You Hear What I Hear?" Drama students performed a Christmas-themed skit.

Attendees gathered in the school's main auditorium prior to the feast and watched a videoexplaining the importance of senior citizens in the community.

The message resonated with leadership student Mikaela Sites.

"I think it is a great thing we do for this community," the 15-year-old said. "Senior citizens are not recognized as much as they should be." 

Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown or follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Seniors enjoy holiday entertainment, food at Baker School (PHOTOS)