For 16 years, students at Washington Montessori Public Charter School have brought smiles to residents of the Village Apartments.

Every year before Thanksgiving, a group of Suzuki violin students “carol” around the apartment complex and deliver pies to as many residents as possible. The students were there once again Tuesday, handing out a total of about 45 pies — pumpkin, sweet potato, cherry and apple.

With designated “pie boys,” also known as sixth-graders Nathan Naylor and Jake Meetze, leading the charge with a wagon full of pies, elementary and middle school students set out to brighten the residents’ day with renditions of traditional Christmas songs.

Music instructor Michele Rhem said the school has built a years-long relationship with the residents at Village Apartments.

When Washington Montessori transitioned its campus from the Avon Avenue location to Old Bath Highway, Rhem said some apartment residents were devastated.

“They knew our children’s names,” she said. “Through tears, one of them said, ‘What about our pies?’”

“It became a mission right then to make sure this happened,” Rhem added.

Brenda Hudson Mincey, who has lived at Village Apartments off and on for 10 years, said she looks forward to the caroling violinists every year. She almost missed them Tuesday, but another resident made sure she came outside in time to hear their playing.

“I look forward to their coming,” Mincey said. “It’s precious.”

She said it is also a good experience for older residents who may get lonely living alone.

It’s a good experience for the students, as well.

Meetze, a newer student at Washington Montessori, said he has been looking forward to the caroling all year.

Naylor has participated in the event since first grade, and this was his first time as a “pie boy.”

“It’s probably one of our favorite events of the year,” Rhem said. “This is so personal.”