Students from Willoughby-Eastlake Schools have teamed up with area senior citizens to find common ground and help each other in innovative, resourceful ways

By Mimi Vanderhaven

At Willoughby-Eastlake Schools, the level of outreach efforts to connect students with senior citizens is multi-tiered, creative and impressive.

“Fostering connections with our senior citizens in the community is important,” says Superintendent Dr. Patrick Ward. “It helps us preserve the rich legacy of the district while also gaining insight from their experiences on how to improve our schools and prepare students for a changing workforce.”

Dr. Ward has been actively seeking the participation of senior citizens during monthly Coffee Talks. A Coffee Talk was recently held at the Willowick Senior Center, and the next talk will be on Wednesday, November 15, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m at the Willoughby Senior Center. Any senior citizen from the community is welcome.

Another senior-centric initiative is the annual Seniors’ Night Out, which takes place on Monday, December 4, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Willoughby South High School Cafeteria. The free event for area seniors ages 65 and older includes student performances from the North and South High School bands, an elementary music program, a Drama Club production, and art and STEM student displays. Doors open at 4 p.m. and dinner will be served by high school students from various service clubs at 4:30 p.m.

Terry Foreman, who attended last year’s Night Out, says, “The musical entertainment provided by students was the highlight of the evening. This was an excellent way for seniors to connect and learn more about our school district.”

Willoughby Middle Schoolers take part in the outreach, too. Organized by teacher Katie Reilly, this year the students have visited the Willoughby Senior Center once a week to help with tech-support issues, offering tips and tricks for operating iPhones.

“The collaboration between seniors and our teenage students is imperative in breaking down the age barrier and allowing them to each learn from one another,” Katie says. “Both age groups have a lot to give and sharing their knowledge makes them each feel valued.”

Look for these monthly stories to cover topics from grades K-12 in the Willoughby-Eastlake City Schools System. Find out more at WESchools.org.