Teen, senior friendships forged through tech help group
Many hugs and friendly banter were exchanged this week as about a dozen Bellefontaine High School students and Green Hills Community residents parted ways at the senior living facility, with the promise to, “See you again soon.”
The Techy Teens and Savvy Seniors group formed this school year as a way for the high school pupils to assist the older adults with “how to” advice for utilizing various forms of technology — from smart phones to electronic tablets and computers.
They first met on a monthly basis, and more recently, the BHS DECA senior marketing students have visited the 6557 U.S. S. Route 68, West Liberty, center nearly every week to join more than 20 seniors in various activities.
Along the way, fast friendships have formed, despite an age difference of about 50 years between the seniors citizens in their 70s, 80s and 90s, and the 17- and 18-year-old students.
At the latest session, Green Hills Garden Home resident Nancy L. Leonard asked students Autumn Cooper and Jenna Fannin about their plans for next year, and said she’d love to visit them at college or at their workplace.
“I hope they enjoy us as much as we enjoy them,” the 75-year-old said. “They are great people — they are young and intelligent, talkative and interactive. We like to hear about what they’re up to, what they’re doing and their activities.”
“She is so funny; I enjoy talking with her, too,” Autumn said of Ms. Leonard. “We’ve loved getting to know the seniors here.”
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ABOVE: Bellefontaine High School senior Chase Miller attempts to remove a Jenga block from an unsteady tower of blocks while Leo and Donna Heminger look on during a Techy Teens and Savvy Seniors session at Green Hills Community, 6557 U.S. S. Route 68, West Liberty. HOME PAGE SLIDE SHOW PHOTO: Green Hills Community resident Nancy L. Leonard, 75, concentrates while removing a wooden rod from a giant Kerplunk game while Virginia Brill, 86, and Bellefontaine High School student Anthony Tolliver watch during a recent Techy Teens and Savvy Seniors session at the 6557 U.S. S. Route 68, West Liberty facility. (EXAMINER PHOTOS | MANDY LOEHR) |
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