S. ABINGTON TWP. — For the 25th consecutive year, members of the Abington Heights senior class were able to spend time with each other and their teachers before receiving their diplomas on graduation day.

The annual senior luncheon, held June 16 in the high school cafeteria, is made possible through the generosity of the junior class parents and area businesses.

According to high school assistant principal Mark Lemoncelli, each family from the junior class is asked to provide a $15 donation for the purchase of food and other supplies.

Auto Shop teacher and Abington Heights Education Association (AHEA) President Tim Moher believes the luncheon provides a bit of closure each school year.

“It’s a tradition that gives the teachers a chance to say one last goodbye to the seniors before they walk across the stage,” Moher said.

Spanish teacher Tom Lavelle, who also serves as the boys tennis coach, cherishes the ability to develop positive relationships both inside and outside the classroom.

“The most important thing about the event is the opportunity for our students to be recognized by the faculty,” Lavelle said. “We have the opportunity to really get to know our students on a personal level and the connection that teachers make on a daily basis lasts a lifetime.”

Colin McCreary, who will continue his academic and athletic careers at Monmouth University in New Jersey next fall, reflected on his time as a Comet.

“I think it’s a great way to celebrate our last day together,” McCreary said. “I’ve had a lot of great memories over the past four years with my classmates and my teachers. To be able to spend one last day with them is really special.”

According to Lemoncelli, Caravia Fresh Foods, HoneyBaked Ham and Cafe, Fiorillo’s Pizza, Armetta’s Pizza, Domino’s Pizza, Dino & Francesco’s, Nearra’s Pizzeria, Rosario’s Pizzeria, Kelly’s Pub & Eatery, Nina’s Restaurant, Abbiocco, Metz Culinary Management, Wegmans, Orlando Foods Inc., Krispy Kreme, Jumbo Seafood, Atami Sushi, Gerrity’s Market, Weis Market and Moe’s Southwest Grill all contributed food to the luncheon.

“We’re thankful for the many local businesses and people in the community who donate so much,” Lemoncelli said.

Members of Abington Heights’ Class of 2017 spend quality time together during the senior luncheon June 16. From left, first row, Natalie Kozar and Sydney Dana. Second row, Julia Khalil, Grace Evans, Nicole Nealon, Kelsey Wynn, Kaylee DeMatteo and Courtney Wrobel.
https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/web1_ABJ-AH-Lunch-1.jpg.optimal.jpgMembers of Abington Heights’ Class of 2017 spend quality time together during the senior luncheon June 16. From left, first row, Natalie Kozar and Sydney Dana. Second row, Julia Khalil, Grace Evans, Nicole Nealon, Kelsey Wynn, Kaylee DeMatteo and Courtney Wrobel. Robert Tomkavage | Abington Journal

Members of the Abington Heights Class of 2017 enjoy one final lunch together June 16. From left, clockwise, are Eric Brickel, AJ Gabello, Nick Emmett, Brandon Hardy, Ryan Eckersley, Tommy Rothenberger, Ryan Harvey, Greg Borgia, Kyle Porpiglia, Lucas Goodman, Corey Justave and Nick Badalamente.
https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/web1_ABJ-AH-Lunch-2.jpg.optimal.jpgMembers of the Abington Heights Class of 2017 enjoy one final lunch together June 16. From left, clockwise, are Eric Brickel, AJ Gabello, Nick Emmett, Brandon Hardy, Ryan Eckersley, Tommy Rothenberger, Ryan Harvey, Greg Borgia, Kyle Porpiglia, Lucas Goodman, Corey Justave and Nick Badalamente. Robert Tomkavage | Abington Journal

Members of the junior class volunteer at the Abington Heights Senior Luncheon June 16. From left, first row, Meghan Noone, Ellie Wright, Nichole Spencer and April Sokalsky. Second row, Anshul Verma, MJ Jonsson, Alex Bi, Julia Burke, Alex Derry, Maria Terrinoni, Molly McHale, Paige Morgan, CeCe Donahoe, Kim Ward and Kiera Lucash.
https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/web1_ABJ-AH-Lunch-3.jpg.optimal.jpgMembers of the junior class volunteer at the Abington Heights Senior Luncheon June 16. From left, first row, Meghan Noone, Ellie Wright, Nichole Spencer and April Sokalsky. Second row, Anshul Verma, MJ Jonsson, Alex Bi, Julia Burke, Alex Derry, Maria Terrinoni, Molly McHale, Paige Morgan, CeCe Donahoe, Kim Ward and Kiera Lucash. Robert Tomkavage | Abington Journal

Hoagies and salads from HoneyBaked Ham and Cafe were just a few of the food options during the Abington Heights High School Senior Luncheon June 16.
https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/web1_ABJ-AH-Lunch-4.jpg.optimal.jpgHoagies and salads from HoneyBaked Ham and Cafe were just a few of the food options during the Abington Heights High School Senior Luncheon June 16. Robert Tomkavage | Abington Journal

By Robert Tomkavage

rtomkavage@timesleader.com

Reach Robert Tomkavage at 570-704-3941 or on Twitter @rtomkavage.