UPDATE: Greenville High School’s annual holiday dinner brought joy and festive cheer to students on December 9 as they enjoyed a traditional meal served by the school district’s food and nutrition department. The event, which catered to approximately 1,100 students, aimed to ensure that every student experienced the warmth of a holiday dinner, regardless of their background.
As students lined up for delicious options like mashed potatoes, glazed maple carrots, and freshly roasted ham, the school’s Food and Nutrition Director, Dan Kuk, emphasized the importance of this tradition. “Not all students get to participate in this type of meal,” Kuk said. “We have some international students, too, so being able to serve them a traditional holiday meal really is a fun way to give back.”
The holiday dinner, provided at no cost to students, is part of Greenville Public Schools’ commitment to offering free or reduced breakfast and lunch. Kuk noted that while it adds some expense, the school district supports this initiative to ensure every child has access to this special experience.
After successfully serving a smaller-scale version of the holiday dinner at the middle school, Kuk praised his dedicated staff for their hard work. “They really go above and beyond,” he said. “I just hope the students really enjoy the meal today.”
The atmosphere was filled with holiday spirit as students enjoyed the meal, accompanied by Christmas music and decorations provided by the DECA student organization. Senior and DECA vice president Emily Fox highlighted the volunteers’ efforts, ensuring a clean and festive environment for their peers. “We wanted to bring a little something extra for the holiday dinner,” she stated, referring to the homemade desserts served to fellow students.
Among the festive surprises, students also received a special visit from Claude Johnson, a GHS employee and Greenville City Councilman, who donned a Santa costume alongside The Grinch. Sophomores Gabby Pelak and Kendal Taylor expressed their delight, noting how the dinner brightened their day. “It’s really nice and it makes me feel festive,” Taylor said.
“This makes my day,” Pelak added, sharing her enjoyment of the delicious meal. “It was also nice to have something to look forward to at lunch.”
With the holiday season in full swing, Greenville High School’s annual dinner stands as a testament to community spirit and the importance of inclusivity in celebrating traditions. As students reflect on the joy of the day, officials and staff continue to emphasize the significance of providing these experiences to every student, reinforcing bonds and creating lasting memories during this special time of year.
Watch for more updates on similar community events and initiatives as they continue to foster inclusivity and holiday cheer in schools across the nation.
