ASHLAND — Gene Esbenshade stood in the Crestview High School cafeteria, scooping mashed potatoes onto the plates of hungry students. He wore an apron adorned with fall leaves and a grinning turkey in a pilgrim hat.
Esbenshade is the district’s maintenance supervisor, but he tapped into a different set of skills this week during the high school’s community Thanksgiving luncheon.
School staff served a traditional Thanksgiving meal to around 350 people on Tuesday, including high school students, Dayspring residents, retired teachers and senior citizens.
Students enjoy a Thanksgiving meal at Crestview High School. 
Students enjoy a Thanksgiving meal at Crestview High School. 
Staff serve up a Thanksgiving meal to students and community members. 
Students enjoy a Thanksgiving meal at Crestview High School. 
Robin Hawkins, school-community liaison, serves up dessert during Crestview High School’s annual community Thanksgiving meal. 
Student art on display during Crestview High School’s community Thanksgiving luncheon. 
Student art on display during Crestview High School’s community Thanksgiving luncheon. 
Student art on display during Crestview High School’s community Thanksgiving luncheon. 
Staff serve up a Thanksgiving meal to students and community members.
It’s an annual tradition that started around 2012, according to several staff members.
“It’s something special to Crestview. I’ve never had this at any other district that I’ve worked at,” said Shawn Skelly, who’s in his third year as high school principal.
“We have a lot of people who help us get this together. We have food donated, students bring in sides throughout the week. It’s just a great community event that brings everyone together at this time of year.”
Crystal Care Center donated 20 turkeys for the event. Staff and community members brought in dessert.
Esbenshade and his wife Joni, who run a catering company, step in to help food service coordinator Jen Oliver and her staff.
Joni said the group began cooking turkeys Monday at 8 a.m.
“I think the most challenging thing is to make sure you have enough,” she said. “That’s what intimidates me. We don’t want to run out.”
Jim Foster, who recently retired from substitute teaching, sat with a friend Sandy Shaum and some of his former students.
“I love seeing the kids,” Foster said.
Shaum said the event offered a chance to celebrate Thanksgiving together.
“We’re not going to be together on Thanksgiving,” she said. “He’s going to the AMVETs, and I’m going to my family.”
Faith Whitmore sat across from them. A senior cosmetology student at Pioneer Career and Technology Center, she said she was grateful the district transported students back to the high school for the meal.
“My favorite part is definitely how we all come together,” she said. “It’s a great thing they do because not everybody can have a Thanksgiving at home. This is their Thanksgiving.”
