WEHS Culinary Students Treat Local Seniors

There were Christmas carols, music from the band and orchestra, and homemade food from the students at West Essex High School.

For more than five years, students from the regional high school have thrown a holiday celebration breakfast for area seniors.

"It's a day out for them during the holidays," said Krista Milinkovich of Fairfield, a student who helped with the festivities.

Caren Maw, who teaches culinary arts and food and sports nutrition courses, brought four classes worth of students to assist with the party. The students diced fruit for fruit cups, baked coffee cake and egg casseroles and prepared cookies for their guests.

They also escorted the seniors to tables, served as waiters and waitresses, and visited with them during the party. "It's great just seeing everyone. I'm here to help out," said student Jenna Fiore. "They enjoy meeting all the kids."

Students dressed up and visited with the seniors who were from local senior clubs, assisted living facilities and houses of faith, including Congregation Agudath Israel, Crane's Mill and Sunrise Assisted Living.

"It's giving service to other people," said Maw, who said the breakfast preceeds her five-year career at West Essex High School. "I'm hearing people say, 'This is so fun. I love this.'"

The seniors sat at round tables with holiday decorations while they enjoyed their breakfast and listened to the student musicians perform. Derek Sica, supervisor of world languages, said guests were treated to more than good cooking, they got to see students involved in performing arts. "They're showcasing their talents. We have a very talented student body."

"They did a beautiful job. It's delicious," said Bonnie Fritz of Fairfield, who added that her grown children attended this high school. "This program is so good. We have a great time."

The high school serves students from Fairfield, Roseland, North Caldwell and Essex Fells.