Week 47. Holiday Luncheon

November 20, 2018
with updates on December 14, 2018

For 40 years, on a special Friday in December, Lakehill Preparatory School continued a holiday tradition that remains in the hearts of attendees long after the pumpkin pie is finished.

This year’s Holiday Luncheon, held on December 14, brought 150 elderly residents from around east Dallas to the school’s main campus to share the spirit of the season with the Lakehill family.

The entire Upper School assisted in welcoming the seniors to the school. Each grade has progressively more complex responsibilities. Members of Lakehill’s senior class, along with their parents and class sponsors, joined forces with the entire Upper School to provide a memorable holiday experience for senior citizens. The senior class, along with their parents, hosted the luncheon feeding over 700 people throughout the day. While the senior citizens were eating, they were joined by Lower and Middle school students and entertained with various performances.

Juniors, dressed as elves, reindeer, and Santa and Mrs. Claus, visited with guests and posed for pictures. Sophomores served as photographers, giving guests a framed photo as they left the luncheon. Freshman decorated the Commons and hosted the guests for refreshments after their meal.

Students in all grade levels helped by donating the items that were used to fill the stockings that our Lower and Middle School Community Connections club members prepared for each guest. We spent several days organizing all the donations, sorting into categories, such as tissues, stationary, shampoo, and lotion, followed by several days stuffing each stocking with goodies. As each guest left the Luncheon, they received a poinsettia, the picture frame with their picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a stocking full of goodies.

The Holiday Luncheon is a wonderful tradition that truly reinforces the meaning of the holidays. Many of these guests are regular attendees who look forward to the luncheon every year. Tasty food, good music, and enjoyable conversations with the students seemed to get everyone in the holiday spirit.

Week 27: Lakewood July 4 Parade

July 4, 2018

The Fourth of July brings to mind fireworks, block parties, good food, and, of course, parades.

This year, neighbors in the Lakewood area of east Dallas celebrated America’s birthday with their annual parade, traveling to another era in “Lakewood’s Time Machine.”

This year’s parade also paid tribute to Vickie Thompson, an amazing woman, dedicated volunteer, and dear friend who passed away last July 4.

Lakewoood’s parade began more than 50 years ago with three families on Lakewood Boulevard. Since then, the event has grown exponentially and today spans many blocks with thousands of spectators and participants. Schools, scouting groups, neighborhood associations, and other community groups all take part in the festivities.

Lakehill Preparatory School has participated in the parade for the past 10 years. This year, our students and parents pulled together to create a “time machine” and build a float. More than 80 students, parents, and teachers joined us at the parade–riding bikes, walking, and riding on the float. It was a great way to come together as a school and celebrate our special community.

So many neighborhoods host parades and other events. Why not volunteer to help celebrate a special holiday or a neighborhood you love?

Here is a short video from the parade.