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The annual event has become an important community tradition

Elizabeth Forward High School welcomed dozens of senior citizens looking for a little holiday cheer to the district’s 44th annual Senior Citizens Breakfast.

The mood was festive, the food was delicious, and the music was great. Those in attendance have been looking forward to the event for weeks. For many it’s a holiday tradition, even if no one is quite sure how the tradition started in the first place.

“It’s just always been here,” said Bobbi Good Bauer, a 1968 EF graduate, former school board member and member of the alumni association and the Rotary Club. “It’s events like this that make this place not just a school district, but a true community. They don’t have to go to all this trouble, but they do every year. It’s very special.”

Bauer was at breakfast with three of her sisters. When she was in high school, Bauer and two of her sisters – Diana Good Schoenbach and Suzanne Good Dittman -- did time as the mascot and members of the band. As for the fourth sister, Dorothy Good Griffin, “I was the smart one.” Schoenbach came in from Florida for the breakfast.

At another table, Dan Kuhn ate with his family. At 98 years-old, he has been coming to the event for at least the past 15 years. “It’s not Christmas unless you’re here,” EFHS Counselor Joe McManus told him. “You’ve got to see these pants.”

Kuhn Smiled as he showed off his pants, covered in tiny holly and berries.

McManus, the National Honor Society sponsor, which hosts the breakfast, says the event really is an all-hands event. The food services department started preparing food at 4 am, in addition to their other duties for the day. The art department created the decorations. Music was provided by the EFHS Orchestra, led by Mr. Chris Thomas and the EFHS Choral Department led by Dr. Angie Berna Milliren. Additionally, second graders from across the district sang Christmas carols that were broadcast on screens in the cafeteria.

The event has become such a fixture that High School Principal Kelli Garlow says the staff and students look forward to it as much as the attendees. It’s a lot of work, but worth it in the end.

“I so appreciate all the work done by Mr. McManus and the National Honor Society,” Mrs. Garlow said. “Everyone goes above and beyond to make it happen and it really is our pleasure to do.”

The morning ended with NHS members passing out gift bags to all in attendance, and the awarding of two special prizes for the oldest guests.

At 93, Bill Harchelroad came in second place. Bill, a Korean War Veteran and his wife, Bev, have lived in the district since 1959 and their children attended EF. It came as no surprise to anyone that Don Kuhn, the 96-year-old in the Christmas pants, took home first place.

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