Old Rochester Regional Jr. High School hosted its 32nd annual Senior Citizen Thanksgiving Banquet on Sunday. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
MATTAPOISETT — Old Rochester Regional Jr. High School welcomed about 200 Tri-Town seniors on Sunday for the school’s 32nd annual Senior Citizen Thanksgiving Banquet, a tradition supported each year by students, staff, families and local partners.
The event was held in the school cafeteria and supported by more than 40 staff volunteers and 36 student volunteers. Director of Guidance Christina Cioffi oversaw the banquet this year as she stepped into the role long held by Toni Bailey.
In addition to the Jr. High team, the event was supported by Old Rochester Regional High School AmbassadORs and several other high school volunteers who generously contributed their time and energy to the behind-the-scenes work for this long-standing tradition.
“We want our seniors to feel valued and welcomed, and we are grateful to everyone who helped bring this year’s banquet together,” said Principal Silas Coellner. “Director of Food and Nutrition Jill Henesey, our cafeteria team and their family members are truly the backbone of this event. They volunteer their time each year to prepare, cook and plate hundreds of meals, and their work allows everything else to fall into place. We also received tremendous support from staff, students, families and local partners, and it is a highlight for our school community each fall.”
Support came from many people and places across the Tri-Town communities of Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester.
The ORRJHS Parent Teacher Student Organization raised nearly $3,000 to cover food and supplies. Staff, families and local businesses donated apple cider, pies, decorations and door prizes. Donations included 15 gallons of cider, 60 store-bought apple pies, pumpkins and other fall decorations from Kenny’s Farm Stand and Shaw’s, and gift cards, tickets, plants and other small items for giveaways. The Mattapoisett Police Department also made a significant donation in support of the event.
“I am grateful to be a part of the ORR community,” said Cioffi. “Watching the effort and commitment of our students, teachers and community members to make this event a success was incredible. I hope that our Tri-Town senior citizens enjoyed the event as much as we enjoyed bringing it all together for them.”
This year’s banquet also received new support through a $500 Community Reinvestment Funds grant that Principal Coellner applied for earlier this fall. Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz visited the school on Friday, Nov. 21, to present Superintendent Nelson and Principal Coellner with a large ceremonial check ahead of the banquet.
Superintendent Michael S. Nelson thanked the volunteers who make the banquet possible each year.
“We are fortunate to have a school community that gives its time so generously,” Superintendent Nelson said. “This banquet is a large effort. It takes planning, preparation and a willingness to pitch in wherever needed. Our students, staff and families do that every year, and it sends a strong message to our seniors that they matter to us. I am grateful to everyone who helped make this year’s dinner such a welcoming event. I also want to thank our Food Service Department and our Facilities team. They give their time each year to prepare and support this banquet, and their work is a big part of what makes the day run smoothly.”
Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Shari Fedorowicz said the banquet continues to bring all three towns together.
“Our seniors look forward to this tradition, and our team works hard each year to make it special,” said Assistant Superintendent Fedorowicz. “What stands out to me is how many people play a part in it. Staff volunteer their time, students jump in to help with preparations and our families and local businesses donate generously. It shows the kind of community we are. Bringing our three towns together in this way is meaningful, and we are grateful to everyone who helped make the day a success.”
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