A partnership between high school students and senior citizens has brought joy to both groups as students in Manheim Central High School's Interact Club have made a connection with residents of Pleasant View Retirement Community in Manheim.
"It's really nice to connect with the community and bridge the gap between teenagers and the older generation," said Emma Levitan, a 12th-grade student. "I love being able to bring joy to the residents, especially during a time like this past year."
The partnership began after former Interact adviser Lu Ann Wise approached the retirement community about bringing club members in for Christmas caroling a few years ago. "That was so well received, we started thinking, 'What else could we do?'" recalled Wise, who is retired but volunteers as a club adviser.
Soon, the club members were holding technology help nights twice a year. "Teens are really tech savvy, and a lot of our residents are new to technology," said Aubrey Smith, community engagement coordinator for Pleasant View. "It was great to have the students help our residents with everything from their digital cameras to iPads to printing."
Students were paired one-to-one with residents, and participants soon realized both parties were benefiting from the technology nights. "I went to my first tech night two years ago," said Emma Moyer, a junior at Manheim Central. "It was so much fun working with the residents. A lot of it was really simple to help with, but some of it was challenging, too. I learned a little bit about flip phones because I didn't know much about them before I went."
Interact Club has a mission of helping others, said Emmy Varner, club president. "We engage in community service projects," she explained, adding that the group might clean up a roadside or baby-sit children during parent-teacher conferences. "This year has looked a little different for us, but we're still finding ways to connect with other people."
This year, the club is focusing on a pen pal program with the Pleasant View residents, with a modern twist.
"(Club adviser) Lyndsey Rote suggested an idea to make connections with residents who are in quarantine and feeling isolated," said adviser Amy Burdyn. "This prompted this idea of doing video pals, where club members get to visit with their new friend from Pleasant View by video chat."
In December, club members sent Christmas cards to residents, and at Easter each year, they typically have organized egg hunts for residents and their families.
Larissa Stern, a senior at Manheim Central, said the partnership between Interact and Pleasant View has offered her a chance to connect with other people and spread happiness.
"I have gotten to meet so many amazing people at Pleasant View, and you get to hear such incredible life stories," she stated, noting that Christmas caroling is one of her favorite activities to do with the residents. "You can just see the joy on their faces, and it's wonderful."
Smith said the club has been a welcome addition for the residents at Pleasant View, especially in a particularly difficult year.
"The relationships between the senior citizens and the high school students is amazing," she stated. "It's meant so much to our residents, because they have been without interaction with other people for far too long."
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