BRUSSELS, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Senior citizens in the Southern Door community received a special holiday treat Wednesday.
For 37 years, the Southern Door School District has invited area residents age 62 and above to take part in its annual holiday party, hosted by the district’s high school students and faculty.
Nearly 200 senior citizens reserved a spot at this year’s get together, which featured a lunch prepared and served by students, as well as student-crafted door prizes and live holiday-themed music performed by students.
“It’s always such a nice time. It’s so great for the community members to get to see the kids in action, plus have a great meal,” said Nancy Feld, a former Southern Door teacher and a regular at the party. “It’s nice to see other retired staff members. It’s kind of a little blast from the past. And then I see grandparents of students that I used to have, so it’s just a wonderful event.”
Southern Door High School Principal Steve Bousley said the party is a great way to create a connection between the heavily-rural district and its students with the local community.
“We do this around the holidays as a celebration, not only to celebrate our school but to celebrate our community,” Bousley said. “This is something that we really do put a lot of effort into, and it takes a little bit of time to do, but it’s certainly well worth it.”
According to Bousley, the beloved holiday party tradition will go on for years to come.
“We’re continuing this well into the future. This is something that’s ingrained in the fabric of what we do here… Southern Door is a wonderful place to teach and learn.”
