RHS students provide fun outing for senior citizens
Eighth grader Gabe Tingle is pictured straightening up desserts on tables that were being set up for Ridgewood High School’s annual senior citizens luncheon. The luncheon is put on by the school’s student council of which Tingle is a member. Josie Sellers | Beacon
WEST LAFAYETTE – Ridgewood High School treated senior citizens in its community to entertainment and yummy food.
The school’s annual senior citizen luncheon was held Dec. 13 and included a performance of the drama club’s “Sherlock Homes” and lunch served by student council members.
“I like seeing everyone get together and have a good time,” said Milena Cognion, a student council senior. “Everyone seems to know everyone and it’s like a family get together.”
The student council members set up the cafeteria for the lunch, served the attendees and cleared their plates for them.
“I think it’s important that we show our support to the community and give back to those who support us whether that is by attending our events or by their tax dollars,” said Julie Feldner, student council advisor.
One hundred and ninety-two people pre-registered for the lunch and Feldner believed they had 174 in attendance.
“I think it’s important for the kids to do this to learn about community service and willingness to serve others,” Feldner said.
The meal and door prizes were made possible by donations from the community, student council and the Beyond the Bell program. The school’s cafeteria staff also was involved and West Lafayette Police Chief Stephen Klopfenstein came to help them with lunch.
“It’s nice that we do this so older people in the community can come see the school, the good kids here and the examples they are setting,” said Erica Schwartz, another senior involved with student council.
Penny Carroll enjoyed her time at the luncheon.
“I have a grandson here and a son who is a teacher, but this is my first year attending because I just became of age,” she said. “It’s wonderful.”
Carroll invited her friend Jan Luce along who said she was having a good time.
“It’s fantastic,” Luce said. “I was impressed with the play.”
Sophomore Trevor Hawkins played Sherlock in the production and Watson was portrayed by junior Jason Paugh.
“I liked that I got to be smart with everyone in the play and talk back to them,” Hawkins said.
Paugh also enjoyed playing his character.
“He (Watson) fit me as a person and I was able to play him pretty well,” Paugh said.
Both Hawkins and Paugh have been in other productions at Ridgewood.
“I like being on stage and knowing that everyone is enjoying what we are doing,” Hawkins said.
Paugh added that it’s nice being on stage with close friends.
“We have good chemistry and that helps us act our parts well,” he said.
Freshman Alexis Liedtke was in the play too, but then had to rush over to the cafeteria to help her fellow student council members serve lunch.
“I think the play was well put together,” she said.
The drama club’s next production will be this spring when the students perform “Beauty and the Beast.”
“I can’t wait to see it,” Carroll said.
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