Harrison Central seniors host community Thanksgiving dinner 

The 2025–26 senior class at Harrison Central High School continues to earn credit through projects that combine learning with community involvement. The service-learning requirement gives students practical experience while strengthening ties with the community.

On Sunday, Nov. 23, seniors Johnathan Wissman, Jacob Quito, Samuel Siragusano and Wyland Blake put their project into action. Inspired by a suggestion from Head Football Coach Anthony Hayes, the group organized a free community Thanksgiving dinner. Administrators, board members, staff and volunteers from the Harrison Hills City School District helped make the event a success.

“Though Wyland Blake was not able to participate in the actual meal service due to another Harrison Central obligation, the day was quite a success,” Wissman said. “We had over 150 people sign up for the meal. As the list grew, we knew we would need help. Fortunately, the Harrison Central bowling team jumped in and volunteered their services.”

Wissman said the project presented challenges the group had not faced before.

“The meal was a good idea, but it became a little stressful,” he said. “It wasn’t like the normal senior project, and compared to what we normally do, we had the stress of hoping that people would sign up for the event and attend. Our original goal of 150 participants soon got blown out of the water when it started to reach 200.”

“Today as we see the turnout, we are glad we took Coach Hayes’ idea to provide the meal,” Wissman said. “Though this project was a little different than we normally see, the meaning and the response provided more than just a grade.”

The keynote speaker for the afternoon was Board Vice President Eddie Banks III, who praised the students and spoke about the importance of recognizing the good in today’s youth.

“It’s truly a pleasure to welcome you to today’s community Thanksgiving dinner,” Banks said. “I serve as vice president of your Harrison Hills City Schools Board of Education, and I thank you for being here today. Whether you’re a student, a parent, a neighbor, a senior, a volunteer or a guest, your presence makes this evening meaningful.”

Banks shared examples of positive student actions, highlighting the hashtag #kidsthesedays, used by a longtime educator to showcase the good happening in schools.

“That simple shift reminded him, and reminded all of us, that our students are doing remarkable things every day,” Banks said. “They are leading, serving and showing us what community looks like. This afternoon is proof of that. A group of our seniors chose this dinner as their service-learning project, and their goal was simple but powerful: to bring our community together for a shared moment of gratitude. Looking around this room, I think they’ve created something truly memorable.”

Banks said the project reflects the district’s mission.

“Here at Harrison Hills, our vision is to provide all students with learning opportunities that inspire them to reach their highest potential in order to thrive as productive members of society,” he said. “These students weren’t just assigned a project — they were given a platform. And they used it to build something that brings people together, meets a need and strengthens the bonds of our community.”

He concluded by reminding guests to cherish connection.

“Thanksgiving is a time to pause, to reflect and to remember what matters,” he said. “It’s not just about food — it’s about connection, about showing up for one another, about recognizing the good even in challenging times. Let this dinner be a reminder that we are better together. Our students are not just the future — they are the present.”

Those who prepared and served the meal included Sue Blawut, Haidee Wurschum, Kathy Pelegreen, Kelly Howes, Kay Miller, Jenny Gibson, Cindy Francis, Haiden Gibson, Joanne Romshak, Audrey Barnhart and Sue McCue.

School officials in attendance included Principal Ken Parker; Guidance Counselor Ashley Doren; Communications Director Kay Sedgmer; Board Member Deb Kenny; and Board Vice President Banks.

“As we close today, I want to thank everyone involved in this Thanksgiving meal,” Parker said. “A special thank you to our senior learning project students, the bowling team, the Harrison Central employees and volunteers. We hope all of you have enjoyed the meal and the opportunity to spend time with each other. Thanks for coming out today, and have a Happy Thanksgiving to all of you.”