Emily Dickinson, Dr. Seuss, Clara Barton, and Benjamin Franklin all walk into a cafeteria…
It may sound like the beginning to a joke, but it really happened the morning of June 6 during the Center School’s Senior Appreciation Breakfast.
Third-graders dressed up as historical Massachusetts figures and sang songs for the seniors as they had a breakfast of bagels, pastries, and donuts. The students then introduced themselves individually to the guests and stated a few facts about the person they were portraying.
Benjamin Franklin was well-represented by several students, as well as Emily Dickinson, the poet from Amherst, Clara Barton who founded the American Red Cross, and Theodor Seuss Geisel, also known as Dr. Seuss.
“It is such an honor to have you here at the Center School,” Principal Rose Bowman told the guests from the Council on Aging.
Bowman stated earlier that the breakfast was just one way to show the seniors the school’s appreciation for all they do for the school.
“We know we wouldn’t have these wonderful facilities without them,” said Bowman. “We’ll never forget what [they] did for us.”
After singing several songs including “This Land is Your Land” and “My Country ‘tis of Thee,” the students left the stage to mingle with the guests, introducing themselves in character and talking about their life stories.
One of the Benjamin Franklins, Torsten Brickly, told one guest, “I signed the Declaration of Independence!”
Another Ben Franklin said, “I invented the lightening rod.”
Jack Butler, one of the students portraying Dr. Seuss, had a long list of memorized facts about Seuss that he flew through while introducing himself.
“They did awesome,” said Bowman. “They’re wonderful. And they really care,” she added. “To have the two generations joined together is a symbol of how special Mattapoisett really is.”
One guest, Leo Lamontagne, approached Bowman saying, ”Well, I’ve had my cry for the day.”
When asked how well the students performed, Lamontagne replied, “It was just wonderful. They were right on target.”
By Jean Perry
