But, thanks to a school project, they’ve spent the last three
weeks with each other, sharing their stories and, along the way,
becoming friends.
By By:Corey Dahl
Sally Stiffler, an 86-year-old retiree, and Andrea Visser, a
16-year-old high school student, normally run in different social
circles.
But, thanks to a school project, they’ve spent the last three
weeks with each other, sharing their stories and, along the way,
becoming friends.
“I haven’t really grown up with my grandparents,” Andrea said.
“Sally has helped me get to know older people better.”
Andrea is part of the Options High School creative writing
class, which has spent the last month meeting with senior citizens
at the Buck Center. Chatting with a senior partner every Thursday,
the students recorded stories about everything from marriage to
World War II and then wrote articles about their seniors’
experiences.
Teacher Lori Snyder said she started the program to connect the
alternative high school’s students, who have struggled in
traditional school for personal or academic reasons, with older
role models.
“These kids come from such diverse backgrounds,” she said. “They
haven’t always had a lot of interaction with older people in their
lives, so it’s been really great for them to get together and share
their stories.”
Ryan Camp said the experience has encouraged him to pursue his
goal of joining the Air Force, a career he had previously thought
impossible for a student like him. After chatting with Pat
Callahan, a 21-year Air Force vet, Ryan said he now believes he can
make it.
“There are so many experiences in life that you can go out and
get, and he’s shown me some of them,” Ryan said.
Contact staff writer Corey Dahl at 303-794-1606, Ext. 1035, or
cdahl@ccnewspapers.com.