Making the Grade
GROVE CITY — Kathy Berthold knew she would have something in common with her hosts before she even met them.
"I like flip-flops," she said, answering the question "What kind of shoes do you like?"
The question was written in marker on a colorful leaf made of construction paper and placed in front of her plate.
It was one of many scattered over the cafeteria tables by students at Hillview Elementary School on Friday, when 67 senior citizens attended a dinner as their guests.
The second senior dinner was hosted for residents of Collegeview Towers and Fellowship Manor in Grove City, many of whom were bused to Hillview for the dinner.
The dinner was originally planned by AmeriCorps members from the Keystone Smiles Community Learning Center at Clarion University. Several members of that group provide regular learning support for the school and asked if they could help plan an event as part of their community service program, Hillview principal Dave Foley said.
"Last year was our first attempt, and we still have seniors talking about it," said Terri Persch, guidance counselor at Hillview. By word-of-mouth, participation increased slightly this year.
While Berthold was a newcomer, her friend Helga Hassel attended last year's dinner.
"Everybody's so nice and friendly and the food was very good," she said.
She recommended the event to her friends and neighbors.
Student council members in grades three through six greeted their guests, served the meal and visited with the seniors, but they weren't the only students at the school involved in the planning.
Each grade helped make some type of decorations for the event, like the place mats made by third graders or the pumpkin centerpieces made by fourth graders.
Anna Burtch, a fifth grader, said she was nervous at first to talk to the seniors, but thought later it was fun."It was cool to ask questions about their childhood like what their school was like and what they learned," she said.Antonio Garcia-Smith, a fifth grader, said he wanted to know what the senior citizens thought of his elementary school now."It's just fun to meet other people," he said.Sixth grader Jordyn Wyllie said she liked talking about everything with the visitors, especially since they, "treat me like an adult."The kids were all so polite during the last dinner, Joyce Reedy of Grove City wanted to come back."I really enjoy talking to them,"she said.For Jane Rector, the food at last year's dinner is what brought her back this year."They can come cook for me anytime," she said.The food was donated by Concept Foods of Pittsburgh, with a choice of beef, chicken or fish along with side dishes and dessert.Foley said he's proud of his students and hopes the dinner gets "bigger and better," every year."This has been a tremendous success,"he said. "The visitors have left happy with what the students have done."After the dinner, the school's glee club performed in the gym.
