Roger and Kathy Hudak, two community members, have returned to Dallastown to participate in Student Council’s Senior Citizen Day for an estimated 10 years. They enjoy seeing how their tax dollars are benefiting the school and its students.

On March 26, roughly 115 visitors were guided through their day by members of Student Council in groups of 2-3 as they ventured through the halls. This event was special to the Hudak’s because they had the privilege of having their grandson Hayden Koons, a current Dallastown senior, as their tour guide.

“The event has become increasingly popular in recent years,” Mr. Adam Hostetter, a Student Council advisor and Dean of Students at DAHS said. 

For the past 40 years, this annual event has given senior citizens the opportunity to observe and interact with students both in the high school hallways and in the classrooms.

“My favorite thing about Senior Citizen’s Day is seeing the interactions between our guests and the Student Council members. I love the stories they share, the questions they ask, and the overall learning experience for both sides of the relationship,” Mrs. Maddie Huyett, Student Council advisor said.

They also had the opportunity to watch the spring musical production “Into the Woods” and eat lunch with Student Council members in the cafeteria.

According to Huyett, during one of the sessions in the cafeteria, senior Carter Lewis delivered a fun “speech” filled with facts about 40 years ago since this was the 40th year of the event.

Senior citizens, including alumni and community members, are able to take part in this event. There is a mailing list that carries over from year to year, however participants call and request to be included on this list. Many of this year’s visitors have come to the event before, and look forward to this annual event.

The Hudaks aren’t the only visitors with ties to Dallastown. Also in attendance were Olivia Leiphart’s great aunt, Mrs. Molly Dallmeyer’s mom and dad, and Jenna and Todd Sepsick’s grandmother.

“I liked showing her around my school and she liked seeing our friends. She’s very social,” Jenna Sepsick said.

In addition, Arlita Sharp and Sandra Schaefer, two alumni, enjoy coming to the event together. Sharp has come to and enjoyed the event for five years, and encouraged Schaefer to join her. Schaefer, a former Dallastown secretary, enjoys seeing the progression and development of the high school.

Lexi Federline, a senior Student Council member, looks forward to the annual event. “I get to spend a full day hearing amazing stories and making connections with community members,” Federline said.

After 40 memorable years, the annual event continues to be a successful and enjoyable event for both students and community members.