Students hold 39th annual holiday program for senior citizens

Dinner and a movie.

The dinner was a wholesome turkey dinner, while the movie may as well have been the theatrics provided by Slatington Elementary students.

A little bit of food mixed in with the harmonious sound of music proved quite the recipe for success at the school’s 39th annual Senior Citizen Holiday Program and Holiday Dinner on Tuesday.

Principal Scott Pyne noted that due to the popularity of the event, changes had to be made to the program to accommodate the 190-plus senior citizens who packed the school gymnasium.

“We had to do it totally differently, so the format is a little different,” Pyne said. “We hope it’s a really enjoyable holiday experience for you.”

The program began with the fourth grade, which sang “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” by Johnny Marks, and “Nice, Not Naughty,” by Teresa Jennings.

Next up was the Concert Band, which performed “The Simple Gifts of Christmas,” arranged by Larry Clark, and “Jingling and Jollying,” arranged by Steven Jonkman and conducted by sixth-grader Landon Rosado.

Afterward, fifth-grade students read the poem “The Night Before Christmas” by Clement Moore and sang “Fiesta De Navidad” by Mike Wilson.

From there, sixth-grade students read the poem “The Joy of Giving” by John Greenleaf Whittier and sang “Better Bundle Up” by Teresa Jennings.

That was followed by third-grade students who sang “Santa Where’d You Go?” and “Santa Is My Buddy,” by Teresa Jennings and Paul Jennings, read the poem “Snowball” by Shel Silverstein, and performed “Penguin Polka.”

Last, but certainly not least, the Northern Lehigh High School Choir performed “In December,” by Jay Althouse, “Still, Still, Still,” by Kirby Shaw, and “Three Contemporary Latin Settings,” by Jerry Estes.

Dottie Curran, of Slatington, said this year marked the fifth time she’s attended the function.

“They’re excellent,” Curran said. “They do a really great job.”

Fellow senior citizen George Grossman of Slatedale agreed.

“They’re always great,” Grossman said. “The food is always good.”

A special thank you was given to the Northern Lehigh High School Choir and Christopher Hamm; Brian Geiger for playing the part of Santa; and all the parents and school staff who made the day such a success.

Senior citizen Catherine Wallace said it was a real treat to be a part of the event.

“It’s wonderful, the children singing,” Wallace said. “The staff is incredible; they’re very courteous.”

Fellow senior citizen Becky Root of Slatington said the program is a real keeper.

“I loved it,” Root said. “The kids are very sweet, and the staff is nice.”

Sixth-grader Aubrey Reinhard said she enjoys the program immensely.

“It feels good helping people,” Aubrey said. “It’s nice to walk them into the building and have conversation; I think anyone that has a chance should do it.”