The 14th annual North Haven High School “Sharing with Seniors” breakfast provided the outgoing class an opportunity to thank and learn from the town’s senior citizens.

Sponsored by the NHHS senior class, the Dec. 8 event treated the town’s senior citizens to breakfast, music, prizes, and the eager ears of the college-bound students. The senior citizens filled the NHHS cafeteria, which was decorated for the holidays, and shared the tables with the high school seniors

“It’s nice to socialize with the senior citizens,” said NHHS senior Samantha Santore of the event. “It’s about getting involved in the town. I’m glad I got to help out.”

Dignitaries attended to show their thanks to the senior citizens. The school brass ensemble and chorus provided entertainment. The event was founded by a former NHHS senior class president over a decade ago, according to NHHS world language teacher and senior advisor Lisette Campos.

“It’s continued as a tradition,” she said. “The kids love it. They think it’s wonderful for the senior citizens as well. I really think it’s a nice event.”

In return for breakfast, the hosts asked the senior citizens for advice about college and the next chapters of their lives. The guests were excited to share.

“It’s a great opportunity to pass on to young people what we’ve learned,” said guest Jay Stankiewicz. “I for one told the students not to look for the light at the end of the tunnel, but to enjoy their senior year. I remember when I got to the end of my senior year. I turned around and said ‘what happened?’”

“And P.S. - I love to tease the kids,” Stankiewicz said. “But the funny thing is, the more I tease, the more the kids come back.

Stankiewicz’s wife Mildred told students to keep in touch with each other after graduation.

“I’m still going to my class reunions, so I know what it means to be a class,” she said. “Remember that you’re a class regardless of how old you get, so that you keep those friendships.”

The students also served as table waiters, bringing the guests fresh fruits, pastries, and coffee.

“They got our coffee, so we’d definitely come again,” joked first time guest Louise Pentan. “They got our coffee and took out coats. It made us feel good.”

“This is marvelous,” said fellow first time guest Barbara Schwartz. “The students are so accommodating.”

The town’s senior citizens look forward to the annual event, according to North Haven senior center director Judy Amarone. “This means that they have a chance to mingle with each other and the high school seniors,” she said. “We don’t have to prompt this event at the center. We just say it’s today and we get a busload. It’s a nice integrated program.”

The event’s dignitaries included First Selectman Michael Freda, selectman Steven Fontana, Superintendent Sara-Jane Querfeld, Police Chief James DiCarlo, Fire Chief Vincent Landisio, Community Services Director Gerardo Sorkin, and the middle and elementary school principals.

“It’s such an honor and pleasure to see so many dignitaries this morning,” said senior class president Evan Gambardella in a short speech.

Gambardella introduced Freda, who recognized both the guests and the hosts.

“Today represents a nostalgic metaphor,” Freda said “It is the convergence of the past, present, and future.”

“The senior citizens represent the foundation and building blocks of the great heritage we have here in town,” Freda continued. “It is very important this time of year to pause and reflect the great contributions made by the senior citizens all over Connecticut.”

“In terms of the future, I am hopeful and optimistic about this remarkable senior class,” Freda continued. “I think that the future of North Haven is in great hands. And it is important that we look to the present as an opportunity to face challenges together, the young people in town and the senior citizens.”

Freda urged the students to sit down and talk with their guests.

“The senior citizens have a great deal of knowledge,” Freda said. “Tap into that knowledge.”

The students did just that, but not without a little trepidation in hosting an event for such venerable guests.

“The kids were nervous a bit at first,” said NHHS principal Dr. Russell Dallai. “But five minutes in and they were all laughing. It’s really terrific.”

“For our seniors this means a lot to be able to serve and interact with the community’s senior citizens,” Dallai added. “For the senior citizens, I hope it’s a chance to meet and interact with the students and to know how much our kids appreciate them.”

The breakfast was made possible by senior class fundraising efforts. A senior citizen raffle was created by the senior class advisors, including over 60 items, gift certificates, and gift cards donated by local businesses. Even though the event was attended by many of the town’s officials and leaders, the NHHS seniors did not forget who they were honoring.

“The real celebrities of this morning’s festivities are the senior citizens,” said Gambardella in his speech. “Even though we grew up in completely different times, your wisdom and life experiences can teach the senior classes something today.”