Eighth-graders salute senior citizens, veterans

By Jessica Ercolino
    PLUMSTED — Eighth-
graders at New Egypt Middle School took the helm in honoring grandparents, seniors and veterans as part of the school’s 17th annual senior citizens breakfast held on Pearl Harbor Day.
    “Today is an example of the valuable life experience that some of you may be able to share with us,” said eighth-grader Alison Martino, who delivered the event’s welcome speech. “The eighth grade wants to show its appreciation of what other generations have done to pave the way for our success.”
    The 130 eighth-graders were responsible for nearly all of the breakfast’s planning, decorating and entertainment, according to teachers.
    “The purpose is to teach the students about community outreach and shared responsibility,” said Corinne DeViriglio, an eighth-grade science teacher at NEMS.
    Seniors attending the event were impressed by the students’ dedication.
    “Everything is beautiful,” said Garnett Hacker, of New Hanover, during the event. “It’s been wonderful and they’ve done a great job. I’m very proud to be a part of it.”
    Shirley Stahley, of Browns Mills, was a returning guest; she attended the breakfast a few years ago to see her grandson, but was pleased to join in the festivities again for her granddaughter, Shelby.
    “This has been a very good time,” she said. “I always enjoy anytime I get to see my grandkids.”
    Students and seniors worked together to complete a scavenger hunt survey for prizes. Students discovered who among the guests had the most grandchildren, was a veteran, had been married the longest or held public office.
    The chorus sang while seniors enjoyed their breakfast of French toast sticks, bagels, pastries, coffee and more. Director Joe Marlow led the NEMS band in a musical medley, and the drama club performed an act from its musical, “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” which opened Friday.
    Each student was also assigned to a specific job for the day of the event, said Keith McEvoy, a language arts and social studies teacher. Some students served the seniors breakfast, while others functioned as greeters and security. Eighth-
graders participate in this project each year as a way to learn more responsibility while getting in touch with the community, teachers said.
    Ms. Stahley said her grandson, Kenny, was one of the students dressed as the school’s Mustang mascot.
    Daniel Byrne took on quadruple duty for the event, as a member of the band and chorus who is starred verb tense is OK if the show is still holding performances this weekend, but if it’s not, say starred (past tense) as Shroeder in the play. He also welcomed guests, including his grandmother and grandfather, with music on the harp.
    “Today is quite enjoyable,” he said. “Busy, but enjoyable.”
    Eighth-graders Antonia Blanda and Jordan Curran were in charge of collecting surveys for the scavenger hunt and tallying the results. They both agreed that the event was a success and that everyone seemed to have a good time.
    Interim Superintendent Christine Carlson addressed the crowd, which she said was the biggest turnout in the event’s 17 years, and commended both students and seniors for making the event a success.
    “Your dedication has made this community one of the finest in New Jersey, and today is just a small example of that,” she said. “We appreciate you being here today.”
    Each of the 100 seniors attending received a personal placemat and batch of cookies, as well as door prizes, such as candles, wallets and picture frames.
    The Plumsted Township Education Association funded the event.