Published: May 04, 2008 11:05 pm            

ALBION SCHOOLS: Students break the generational gap

ALBION — Memories and music from the Big Band era filled the Albion High School gym Wednesday as part of a day-long event celebrating senior citizens.

Students worked to make the prom-like “Golden Gala” possible as part of a multi-class service learning project, said grants manager Sue Starkweather.

More than 100 senior citizens arrived at the school bright and early to take tours of the school. Toni Plummer’s health classes, with the help of professionals from Community Partners, a division of the Medina Memorial Health Care System, arranged an educational health fair.

Senior Kailey Winans staffed a table with information about cancer prevention, reminding attendees about the importance of annual mammograms and colonoscopies. At the table next door, students distributed pamphlets outlining home exercises to ease arthritis pain.

Additional screening booths allowed seniors to check their blood pressure and diabetes risk. Student-made recipe books containing heart healthy recipes were almost as popular as the low calorie, low sugar strawberry smoothies.

The chance to bowl or play sports with the Nintendo Wii gaming system was also a hit.

“They loved it,” Winans said. “They had so much fun with it.”

To document the day, students in Kathy Winans special education class took digital photos of all of the attendees. The high school photography class spent some time giving them a few tips, said senior Amber O’Kussick.

Athena Nichol’s art class gave seniors the chance to relax and paint their own souvenir bookmark or note card. Gary Condoluci provided on-the-spot neck and shoulder massages.

Lunch was a tasty spread with turkey croissant sandwiches. Afterward, the seniors enjoyed — and often danced to — Big Band songs performed by the jazz band and select chorus.

Among the soloists were senior Beka Degnan, singing “Moon River,” and vocal director Gary Simboli, singing “Moonlight Serenade.” Senior Megan O’Hearn sang “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered” to the delight of her mom, Wendy O’Hearn, and her great-grandmother, Virginia Gemberling.

“They didn’t tell me she was going to sing,” Gemberling said in between dances with members of the Leadership Club. “It was supposed to be a surprise.”

In preparation for the gala, students learned how to ballroom dance in their physical education classes, Starkweather said. The Police Explorers Club dressed in uniforms and helped direct parking.

Near the end of the school day, theme baskets donated by students and faculty were awarded as the door prizes. One prize was two wooden chairs made by the Technology Club; they will be completed, painted and delivered to the recipient by Mother’s Day, said Student Council adviser Todd Eick.

What would a prom be without a royal court? Gemberling was named princess and Bill Staub was named prince. Bill and Joan Hudson were named king and queen.

“It’s nice to see the community getting involved,” said senior Justin Ward. As a member of Student Council, he volunteered his time escorting senior citizens to their tables. More than a few wouldn’t let go, calling him their boyfriend. “It’s something for them to do, have some fun and meet up with people they haven’t seen in a while.”

“It shows that our school can connect with the older generations,” said senior Amanda Deegan, a member of Leadership Club and select chorus. “We really want to see it keep going.”

Superintendent Ada Grabowski thanked those in attendance for their participation, inviting them to visit the school at any time.

A special day just for senior citizens has been a district initiative for over 20 years.

“It’s an awesome event,” Gemberling said. “If you’re a senior and you don’t attend this, you’re missing out on a wonderful time.”

Contact reporter Nicole Colemanat 798-1400, ext. 2227.

        

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