Generations come together in Wantagh

Posted

It was an Italian feast at Wantagh High School which brought junior and senior students from the National Honor Society together with the members of the Wantagh Senior Center. On Feb. 3, two different generations gathered around the table to chat, eat good food and get ready to watch the first performance of the high school’s production of “Gypsy.” 

After 25 years it has become a long-standing tradition. “The intergenerational dinner is an opportunity for the high school generation and senior generation to connect and mingle,” National Honor Society President Emily Sullivan said. “We help give back to them and give them a fun night filled with food and dessert.” 

While the senior board members of the honor society conversed with the guests at the tables, the new inductees served the food and drinks and announced the raffle prizes. A volunteer from last year’s cohort of inductees was the emcee for the night.

“Getting to see the different aged members come together and see how happy they are is my favorite part,” Sullivan added. “It’s a great way for the different generations to be exposed to each other and just have a good time.”

With the students dressed in bow ties and blouses, and serving food such as pasta and meatballs, the seniors had fun talking to one another and getting a chance to win prizes from local CVS and Stop & Shop stores. The atmosphere featured a fake fire and traditional Italian music in the background.

“Tonight is one of the best events that the center has,” said Lois Susco, coordinator for the Wantagh Senior Center, located on Seaman’s Neck Road. “We look forward to being with the high school and learning about the students.” 

Susco said that the high school has done such a terrific job over the past 25 years with hosting the event and that it always turns out to be a great success. “These children are the cream of the crop,” she added. “We really enjoy seeing really nice kids that work hard and do well in school.” 

Since the first installment of the dinner, the students of the honor society have come up with a theme for the event each year to keep it interesting. “Last year we did French café and had everyone dress up as Parisians and wear berets, and this year we decided to do Italian,” said Kali Psihos, honor society adviser. “Our gift bags are pasta dinners in a bag so they get to have Italian dinners once they leave here, too.

“It’s great for the kids to work with people, serve people and actually communicate with the seniors that live in their town,” Psihos added. “They get to talk to them about their experiences and it gives everyone a different perspective.”