Heiskell said that every year after the program, banquet guests tell her how much they enjoyed being with the kids. The students also learn to appreciate seniors, she said.

“It’s a really heartwarming experience,” Heiskell said.

Heiskell is amazed at the generosity of area business owners and workers.

“We have an awesome group of people in Neosho,” Heiskell said.

Kelli Spain, a Neosho High School junior and culinary arts student, said she enjoys working at the banquet because the seniors genuinely appreciate the event.

“They are so happy afterwards,” Spain said.

Heather Schmidt, a senior culinary arts student, said that working on the event has helped teach her respect and responsibility.

Page said the district wants “to teach our children the right thing to do.” By concentrating on personal conduct and character quality, the community “will see results for years to come,” Page said.

Annual dinner

The annual Senior Citizen Appreciation Banquet in Neosho is open to area seniors age 60 and older at no cost. Neosho R-5 School District assistant finance director Charles Brazeale said organizers are not strict about the age requirement.

“If they think they qualify, we feed them,” Brazeale said.