Hambrick Middle School ESL Students Share Holiday Spirit With Seniors

Hambrick Middle School’s English as a second language (ESL) students, along with their teacher Gloria Leal, recently hosted a holiday party for the residents of Pilgrim Place, an assisted living facility for seniors. The annual celebration has become an 18-year-old tradition for the school’s ESL students.

“This has become one of the students’ favorite long-standing holiday traditions,” shared Leal. “This year, the party for the residents was all the more special because one of our faithful guests for the past 18 years, Ms. Iris Parton, will be turning 100 years old on February 7 in 2014.”

The students and teachers are already planning a big birthday party for Ms. Parton after they return from midwinter break.

As everybody enjoyed their pizza with refreshments, the students presented the residents of Pilgrim Place with a beautiful wooden Christmas tree along with a Christmas wreath. The students decorated the wreath with beautifully handcrafted origami ornaments that they made themselves.

The students and the residents had a wonderful time exchanging holiday traditions as well as sang and listened to holiday music.

“This was a very meaningful experience for the Hambrick students.

A special thanks is given to Katrina Jackson, the activity director for Pilgrim Place, for providing the refreshments and the opportunity for the students to share their holiday spirit with the residents.

Mariana Sánchez, director of the community organization Bonding Against Adversity, Alex Sánchez, teacher Ana Díaz and Leal sponsored the experience for the students.

Hambrick Middle School ESL students, along with their teachers Gloria Leal (not pictured) and Ana Díaz (center, left), shared a special afternoon with the residents of Pilgrim Place.