DOWAGIAC — The last few days, the kitchens at Dowagiac Union High School have been busy and filled with students browning beef, measuring spices and baking cornbread in preparation for a biannual event.

Culinary students at DUHS will host a spring senior luncheon this Thursday inside the foyer of the high school’s gymnasium, located at 701 W. Prairie Ronde St., Dowagiac. The event is free for senior citizens to attend. Two sessions will be hosted: one from 11 a.m. to noon and one from noon to 1 p.m. The lunch will consist of chili, cornbread, salad and cupcakes, all made by DUHS culinary students. In addition to the meal, visitors can expect to see performances from the choir and art from Dowagiac students.

“We are very excited over here,” said Andy Kruger, culinary arts teacher at DUHS. “It is really a schoolwide event.”

Kruger said the senior luncheon has been going on for the last 15 years. He believes the event has been so popular for so long because it brings together the younger and older generations in a way that is beneficial to both.

“I think it is good for our students at the high school to interact with senior citizens for many reasons,” Kruger said. “Our seniors have worked full-time jobs and have been in our community for longer than anyone, so I think it is good for the young people to listen to what they have to say and hear stories about when they were in school. Plus, I think it is good for our seniors to visit our new facilities to feel young again and interact with our students.”

In addition to allowing different generations to interact, Kruger said he has seen the senior luncheon benefit students by giving them valuable community service experience.

“It’s a pretty big undertaking for my students, but they learn a lot,” he said. “The students always come through because they know other people are counting on them. That’s important and teaches them how to be responsible. They always rise to the occasion, and they haven’t let me down yet.”

Kruger said he would invite any area seniors to attend the chili luncheon Thursday to see what the culinary students can do.

“It should be a good event,” Kruger said. “This is a way for us to show respect for the people who have come before us.”