Senior citizens packed into the auditorium lobby at Susquehannock on a rainy Thursday afternoon to meet with friends and eat dessert before seeing a preview of the school’s musical, Bye Bye Birdie.
As seniors sat down with their food, actors and crew prepared for the preview, the first one of the week. Both the high schoolers and senior citizens seemed very excited for the musical to start.
Desserts were served from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., with a steady stream of people coming in the door.
Mary Bupp, a senior citizen who visited the event, was happy to be at the high school to see the show. “I’m absolutely excited to see the musical,” said Bupp. “I heard about it through my senior center. I think this is my third time here.”
Bupp was also happy to see Bye Bye Birdie again. “I saw it once, years ago,” she said. “It should be a wonderful show.”
Student Council organized and ran the event, with representatives helping set up and serve the desserts.
Senior Melissa Keuler, a student council member, volunteered at the event. “I’ve done it every year since I was a freshman,” Keuler said. “The seniors are generous, and they want to talk. They always have wise words for us. I think it’s a good program for senior citizens and high schoolers to interact.”
Sophomore Dan Stiffler also helped out, serving drinks to the guests. “This was my first time,” Stiffler said. “I want to do it again next year.”
The Senior Citizens’ Desserts program has been going on for years at Susquehannock, with 30 to 40 seniors in attendance this year.
Next year, when the theater department’s annual play is prepared, the event will return to the high school, delighting both the visiting senior citizens and the high schoolers in the play.
