CHESTER, PA– November 17, 2022 – High School students enrolled in the Chester Upland School District’s Career and Technical Education (CTE), marketing and culinary arts programs worked collaboratively on Thursday to host and serve a pre-Thanksgiving meal to local senior citizens.
Grandparents of graduating seniors and local senior citizens were invited to the event and had a chance to enjoy a catered lunch prepared with the help of the culinary arts students that included baked turkey and chicken, candied yams, green beans, rolls, and tres leches cake and homemade cookies for dessert.
“This was such a great opportunity for us to do something nice for our local seniors just before the holidays,” said Claudia Averette, Chief of Staff for the Chester Upland School District. “It also allowed our marketing and culinary arts students to showcase their growing skills.”
Dozens of circular tables topped with orange tablecloths and holiday table settings filled the hallway outside of the school’s gymnasium and greeted attendees as they arrived at the luncheon. The marketing students welcomed the seniors and helped them to their seats. Chester High School staff and personnel assisted the culinary arts students with serving food and bringing plates to tables.
“I’m really proud of how this event turned out,” said Dr. Craig Parkinson, Superintendent of Schools. “Our young people are showing community pride by serving our seniors, displaying their talents, and making this district proud in the process. Our CTE programs are expanding, and we appreciate the local donations that continue to pour in to help us with initiatives like this.”
Thanks to Michelle Jackson from the district’s community partner Delcora, each senior also received a gift bag to take home.
This event was made possible because of food donations from the restaurant Manager, Michael Burr from Restaurant Associates, and other local community partners.
