Senior living community celebrates high school graduates in Henderson

TYLER, Texas (KLTV) - Senior students from Henderson High School visited a local senior living community where both generations shared a heartwarming celebration that left everyone smiling.

As they walked inside a crowded room these high school senior graduates from Henderson high school were in for a special treat.

“It was very sweet getting to see all of the people here so excited to see us,” said Kinsey Kersh, a senior at Henderson High School.

From colorful signs to the ringing of bells, residents from Brookdale Senior Living greeted each senior passing through.

“We enjoyed seeing all the seniors,” said Brookdale resident Jesse Clay.

Clay says shaking hands with each senior student was his favorite moment.

“I like to shake hands with them,” said Clay. “Some of them were tight; some of them gripped some of them, just casual, you know.”

Mikala Teer, the sales manager at Brookdale Senior Living said seeing their residents be able to mingle with the students was a sweet moment.

“Seeing them stand up and shake their hand and their face lit up to just be able to be a part of that and seeing the hugs and things like that is very special,” said Teer.

Especially for those with grandchildren graduating.

“They are able to be a part of that special day in their own way, and it was just it was very meaningful to be able to make that happen,” said Teer.

For many of the seniors, this was a chance to give back and connect with older generations before embarking on their next life chapter.

“It’s a great experience getting to walk around and talk to the people here because they don’t get to get out as much and it’s just a fun little treat,” said Kersh.

An intergenerational connection leaving lasting impressions on both the students and the residents.

The high school Henderson class of 2025 is officially set for graduation on Thursday May 22 at 8 p.m.