More than 200 community members, senior citizens and residents of the Sky Cliff Center in Castle Rock attended Frontier High School's annual Thanksgiving dinner celebration — postponed this year until Dec. 16.

Students have been serving dinner for more than 25 years, and typically do so the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. Due to a snow day, this year's event was postponed and renamed the holiday event.

Frontier is an alternative high school in Elizabeth with about 40 students in grades nine through 12, and the holiday event is driven by students who approach local businesses for donations starting in October to help fund the dinner and raffle gifts.

“These are kids who have chosen to come to Frontier to further their education as they see fit,” said Principal Robert McMullen. “These are great kids and they do such a great job each year to feed so many people. These kids are future entrepreneurs and will change the world.”

Students prepared the traditional Thanksgiving meal, including de-boning the turkeys, peeling and mashing fresh potatoes and baking pies. Guests who were able went through the lunch line, like students would, and were served by students. Those who were not able to make their way through the line had their requests taken by students and were served at their tables.

Many seniors attend the activity each year, and enjoy interacting with the young people.

“I think this gives the kids a good opportunity to interact with the community,” said older attendee Leigh Milne. “They're isolated sometimes, and have little contact with the old farts in the community. They're very respectful and nice.”

Frontier student Kristina McMahan, 18, manned the dessert booth, and said she enjoys serving members of the community.

“It's nice how the community comes together to support Frontier,” said McMahan. “Everyone is caring and loving at Frontier.”

Z Romero, 18, is new to Frontier, and this is the first year he participated in the holiday event.

“It's encouraging to see the whole community come out to support us at Frontier,” said Romero.

Residents of Sky Cliff Center attend the dinner each year, and Frontier students were out front to help residents in wheelchairs make their way into the school, then placing them at designated tables before taking their orders and serving them.

The tradition began 26 years ago, when Frontier students served Thanksgiving dinner to district staff members. It has evolved into an open invitation for community members and special groups to come meet the students at Frontier and enjoy a nice meal.

“I'm so grateful to have the opportunity to work with these kids over the past 11 years,” said Jo Kelly, office manager at Frontier. “The community loves this.”