Seniors serving seniors

PINE PLAINS — Seniors (those about to graduate from high school) tended to senior citizens at Stissing Mountain High School’s cafeteria yesterday morning, where the 14th annual Senior to Senior Breakfast was held.

"It’s a good turnout," said Nancy Morrissey, senior class advisor and district special education teacher. "The senior class pays for this. They serve the senior citizens, walk around and make them feel special."

The senior class raised funds needed for the breakfast through events that take place throughout the year, such as the Pine Plains FFA’s agriculture fair that takes place every October.

The breakfast was advertised through the sign outside the high school, as well as senior citizen members in Stanfordville and Pine Plains, such as Oliver Orton, who helms a senior group in Stanfordville.

"It’s nice, because it gives back to the community," said high school lunch manager Bill Boyles, who started the breakfast 14 years ago with now-retired teacher Bill Brewer.

Erika Cole and Roxanne Myers were some of the many high school seniors who made sure coffee cups and plates were full.

"We’re sitting with the senior citizens, talking to them and making them feel like they’re special," said Cole.

"I love senior citizens. I love mingling and talking to them," added Myers.

"It’s nice to see the age difference and they always ask interesting questions," Cole continued.

Alan Brauser of Cold Spring, N.Y., spent the morning with his daughter, Stissing Mountain senior Cassandra Ackley.

"This is very nice," he said.

As the breakfast wound down, Morrissey said she was very pleased with the event and was happy so many seniors came out on a drizzly morning to the high school.