Goodland High School Hosts 52nd Annual Senior Citizens Holiday Dinner
- Kristina Hemel
- 2 minutes ago
- 2 min read
The spirit of the season filled the halls of Goodland High School on Tuesday, December 9th, as the school hosted its 52nd Annual Senior Citizens Holiday Dinner—one of the community’s most cherished and long-standing traditions. Launched in 1974, the event has grown from a simple meal into a full-scale celebration of community, student leadership, and holiday joy.
This year’s gathering brought in more than 330 meals served between in-person guests and deliveries—an increase of roughly 50 meals from last year. With sunny weather and temperatures in the 60s, many seniors enjoyed the chance to attend in person, take in the entertainment, and connect with students who help make the event possible.
A Full Morning of Music, Laughter, and Holiday Cheer
Doors opened at 10:15 a.m., welcoming senior citizens into a beautifully decorated gym, complete with handmade table décor and placemats created by elementary students. Entertainment began at 10:30 and featured an impressive lineup:
High school and junior high bands and choirs
North Stars performing holiday favorites
Piano and guitar students sharing seasonal music
Kindergarten and elementary classes singing Christmas songs that always delight
Seeing grandkids and great-grandkids perform has long been a highlight. As always, the imaginative artwork on the placemats—everything from lopsided snowmen to creative winter scenes—brought plenty of smiles.
Santa Claus also returned for the festivities, offering Polaroid-style instant photos so guests could take home a keepsake from the day.
A Meal Served With Heart (and an Impressive Student Assembly Line)
Lunch was served at 11:00 a.m., and as always, Goodland’s students handled nearly every aspect. FCCLA led the event, supported by a long list of school organizations:
Art Club crafted decorations and ornaments
JAG-K helped with drinks and food service
FFA members escorted seniors to their seats in full official dress
National Honor Society ran valet parking
FCCLA students managed the kitchen, plating, serving, and even survey collection
One of the most iconic parts of the event is the massive student serving line—a “conga line,” as some lovingly call it—stretching nearly a hundred yards from the kitchen. Students move plates down the line wedding-march style, carefully transporting meals without dropping a single piece of pumpkin pie.
Behind the scenes, the kitchen staff are the unsung heroes. On a day when hundreds of seniors are fed for free, they also prepare lunch for more than 400 students and the many volunteers working the event.
An Event Built on Tradition—and Built by Students
While adults supervise, this dinner is proudly student-led. Committees plan months in advance, and each leader trains the next generation to carry on the tradition. It’s a hands-on learning experience in event planning, hospitality, communication, and community service.
The result? A seamless, joyful event that brings together generations under one roof.
What began in the 1970s—encouraged by then-superintendent Marvin Selby with the idea “If we’re going to do this, let’s do it big”—has become one of Goodland’s defining holiday traditions.
And on December 9th, that tradition continued stronger than ever.
**Info Taken from Interview done with students on KLOE 730's Good Neighbor Hour