Local senior citizens from across the community joined our middle schoolers
for a heartwarming morning of holiday cheer at Lakeland Copper Beech Middle School’s
annual Seniors at the Beech celebration. The building was buzzing with music and laughter as
a student-led sing-along, along with performances by the band and orchestra, helped set a
festive mood. Dozens of seniors and students shared a holiday breakfast and created
ornaments together – one of the most cherished traditions of the season.
In honor of Inclusive Schools Week, students from the Best Buddies program joined in to help
decorate ornaments, share food, and spend time with our guests. We were also delighted to
welcome Town Officials, including Yorktown Supervisor Ed Lachterman, Yorktown Town Clerk
Diana Quast, and Yorktown Nutrition Program Manager Noreen O’Driscoll, who joined
Superintendent Dr. Karen Gagliardi and Principal Frank Ruolo for the festivities.
Guests wrapped up the morning with a tour of the newly renovated Library Media Center,
where many seniors said they were “wowed” by its transformation and the exciting new
opportunities it brings to students.
Dr. Gagliardi shared, “Seniors at the Beech is one of my favorite events because it celebrates
connection between generations, between neighbors, and between our schools and our
community. Seeing everyone come together with such joy truly captures the spirit of the
season.”
Many of our senior guests told us they return every year because the students make them feel
so welcome. One student summed it up perfectly: “I like coming to this. It’s nice to show the
seniors what kids are doing in their neighborhoods.”
Thank you to everyone who shared their time, talents, and holiday spirit to keep this
meaningful tradition shining bright!