Xenia High School Launches New Tradition with Senior Breakfast
On Friday, August 28, Xenia High School (XHS) opened its doors during first period for a special "Senior Breakfast" that invited the Class of 2027 to start their final year of high school on a high note.
For the event, senior students were encouraged to bring a grandparent or special mentor to join them for a breakfast buffet in the school cafeteria. Nearly 60 attendees gathered for the morning celebration, which featured a made-to-order omelet station, bacon, hash browns, and other traditional breakfast favorites prepared fresh on site.
"This inaugural breakfast has all the makings of a tradition our seniors will look forward to for years to come," said Todd Whalen, XHS Principal. "Special thanks to Mrs. Jones for spearheading the idea and to Chef Brandon Stoudt for whipping up those omelets, too!"
Beyond the food, the morning offered a space for cross-generational connection as students and their guests reminisced about earlier school days. For many families in attendance, the morning brought back fond memories of Grandparents Day breakfasts hosted at district elementary schools a decade prior.
“Being a senior, you start to get nostalgic about the past and one of the things I looked back on was the breakfast with my grandparents that we often held during elementary school,” said Violet Black, XHS senior. “Today was truly a full circle moment and while my grandparents got to enjoy a meal, I got to enjoy those who have supported me into being who I am now as I finish my years at XHS.”
The idea for the event came from a desire to reconnect high school seniors with the family traditions they experienced in their earlier school years.
"Our elementary schools do a wonderful job with a variety of family days throughout the year, but those opportunities taper off as students get older," said Shari Jones, Xenia Community Schools Student Nutrition Services Coordinator. "We wanted to help create a moment for our seniors to pause, share a great meal, and celebrate their milestone year alongside the people who supported them every step of the way."