For many, the years spent studying through high school was a golden age, full of memories and achievements. It’s a threshold our youth must pass on their way to adulthood, and as adults we sometimes wish to relive those years.

Fortunately for the residents of Grace Care Center of Cypress, they are certainly getting that chance.

In a partnership between the Grace Care Center nursing home and neighboring Cypress Falls High School, the young and old of Cypress celebrated their first annual Senior Homecoming last week.

That day the air was filled with ringing brass, booming drums and cheers from the Golden Eagle Marching Band and cheerleading team. Students from the high school’s floral design program created colorful mums for the female seniors and football jerseys were donated for the men to wear. You could almost picture the lined green field stretched before them as fans roared from the bleachers.

Smiles were seen everywhere for this touching event, uplifting spirits of the seniors and giving support all around. “It’s so heartwarming,” said Donna Martin, community marketing liaison for Grace Care Center. “It helps them to give them a sense of normalcy. What the students have done is incredible.”

The Cypress Falls students and faculty have recently dedicated themselves to supporting their community, and plan to continue to do so for other facilities and residents in the area. “We have made a push this year to focus on community and the things we can do for our neighbors,” said Shawn McAnear, director of bands. “This was a great opportunity for us to step out and give back to an older generation.”

Both generations finished with high hopes and strong hearts as they bridged the gap of time to share something precious. It’s a day that will be remembered and hopefully an event that will continue for many years and generations to come.

Follow Cypress Falls High School in their endeavors to spread community spirit.