Park Forest, IL-(ENEWSPF)- Valentine’s Day was extra sweet for seniors at the Rich Township Shirley Green Senior Center in Park Forest on Tuesday. They received Valentine’s Day cards made for them by National Junior Honor Society students of the O.W. Huth Middle School in Matteson, Illinois.
Students joined the seniors for a luncheon at noon. Afterward, they presented to the adults cards that the students made. Then, students helped to serve the seniors lunch and cupcakes for dessert.
This was the second time that students from Matteson School District 162 visited the center. Additionally, he Shirley Green Center provides activities and services for seniors in the south suburbs.
In October, three officers from Huth’s National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) delivered hand-painted pumpkins. Earlier, NJHS students made these for National Pumpkin Day and participated in a chair aerobics class. For Valentine’s Day, all 16 members of the school’s National Junior Honor Society delivered Valentine’s Day cards. Indeed, these scholars enjoyed lunch with the older adults.
Adults Express Pride & Gratitude
Mayme Buckley, of Rich Township, hopes that the students and older individuals will have more intergenerational exchanges.
“It’s important for students to learn from seniors and for seniors to be around young people,” Buckley said. “The generations need to connect. It’s a win-win for both.”
Joeann Hailey, 79, who was at the luncheon was happy to see the students. He said that the generations need to interact more with each other.
“We can be a big help to them they can and they can be a big help to us,” Hailey said.
This news is from School District 162. All photos supplied.
