Shenandoah Valley Elementary Hosts Thanksgiving Banquet

Story by Joe Fralick

For about 15 years, Shenandoah Valley Adventist Elementary School in New Market, Va., has organized a Senior Citizen Thanksgiving Banquet for grandparents of its students and the community. They continued the tradition November 22, transforming the school gymnasium into a festive banquet hall with student-created decorations on the walls, floors and tables. Students in costumes typical of what might have been worn at the first Thanksgiving greeted and seated about 100 guests age 55 or older. The seventh- and eighth-grade students served a delicious vegetarian meal prepared by parents for the 250 total attendees, including students, staff, family members and guests. A special program followed with songs, recitations, poems, scripture readings and piano solos. All students performed with their class or as members of the school band, handbell ensemble or choir. Seniors who would like to attend next year’s banquet can contact the school to receive a personal invitation to this free event. Call (540) 740-8237.