Neosho seniors anticipating annual Appreciation Banquet

For the past decade, the Neosho School District has taken the opportunity in November to say “thank you” to seniors with an annual banquet.

Next Friday, area senior citizens will gather again to eat, win door prizes and enjoy student-sponsored entertainment. Organizers note a yearly increase in attendance, due in part to word-of-mouth advertising from previous guests.

Specifically created for Neosho R-5 patrons age 60 and over, the Appreciation Banquet provides an invaluable opportunity for district staff and students to interact with the community’s elders. Feasting on a traditional Thanksgiving meal of turkey with all the trimmings, green beans, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie, many make this school-sponsored event part of the holiday tradition.

“It’s just lovely,” said Donna Ward, a Neosho resident who has attended in the past. “The school really knows how to organize. Every detail has been handled. And those kids are delightful.”

Creative students decorate placements and show off singing and dancing skills, with school staff offering cooking expertise.

“The students and staff can sense the appreciation and pleasure the senior citizens experience while attending the banquet and while having the interaction with the young people,” said Crystal Heiskell, Neosho R-5 staff member and event organizer. “It is a good feeling to know you are helping someone to have an enjoyable time — whether it is writing name tags, escorting them into the gym, serving meals or entertaining.”

Although the school district recently completed a renovation of its high school and junior high cafeteria and expanded seating, the banquet will continue to be held at the middle school. School district cooks begin preparing the meal a full three days before the Friday event.

“First and foremost, I believe the banquet has given our senior citizens a first-hand look at the wonderful students we have in the Neosho R-5 School District,” said Heiskell. “It gives the seniors a connection with the school district. We trust that it also gives them incentive to attend other functions, such as sporting events, drama productions and musical performances sponsored by the district.”

One of the most appreciated aspects of the event is shuttle parking for attendees. Pick-up locations are staged at five area churches as well as at Neosho High School and the Wal-Mart parking lot.

Heiskell noted guests also enjoy the company of students who ride on shuttle buses and prepare name tags.

“This saves them from standing in line, waiting to get a name tag,” she said. “Also, they don’t have to worry about parking and walking quite a distance to get into the school. It’s curbside service!”