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Havre Public School students serve food and drink to people attending the annual Salute to Seniors Sunday at the Havre Middle School cafeteria.
Pam and Rick Harada look at displays of work of Havre Public Schools students Sunday at Havre Middle School cafeteria during the annual Salute to Seniors.
People attending the Havre Public Schools Salute to Seniors Sunday applaud the performance of a Havre Middle School vocal group under the direction of Rhonda Minnick.
Shortly after noon Sunday, the cafeteria at Havre Middle School was full of senior citizens dining on a meal prepared by the cafeteria staff.
The seniors had browsed in the foyer through a large display of artwork done by students in all grades.
They were taking part in the 26th annual Salute to Seniors put on by Havre Public Schools.
Superintendent Andy Carlson said the program is designed to express gratitude to seniors who have supported Havre schools - financially and otherwise - over the years.
Several musical groups performed for the senior citizens. The seniors were treated to clarinet performances, flute duets and vocal performances, including a rendition of "Danny Boy" by the Spotlighters.
Havre High School senior Alara Vogel, who performed at the Salute to Seniors when she was in middle school, returned Sunday as the master of ceremonies.
Carlson said he was delighted at the large turnout.
It's encouraging to see so many people express their support for the school system, the superintendent said.
"This doesn't happen in every community," he said.
He noted that people have come out to support the schools by approving tax increases from time to time.
He recalled the years when Sunnyside Intermediate School appeared to be uninviting.
But since voters approved a massive renovations, it is welcoming and appealing, he said, and people enjoy stopping there for school or community events.
He especially praised the arts program and said the district will always support it, though in many districts arts is the first thing to get cut in tough economic times.
He said, laughing, that he gets excited when he hears people praise Carlson for the fine music program at the middle school until he realizes they mean Dave Carlson, the longtime music teacher.
He praised Carlson, high school band director Dave Johnke and middle school choir teacher Rhonda Minnick, who directed the groups performing Sunday, for their work in developing the music program.
"All of these program have come about because of the community support we get," he said.
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