BHS students step up giving for annual community tradition
By Jason Arndt
Editor
Hundreds of Burlington High School students made a difference in the lives of local seniors and the area at large recently as part of the Winter Community Service Project presented by the DRIVEN Student Leadership Team.
The Leadership Team has made the effort an annual tradition. They raised funds for Love, Inc. and visited with residents at Arbor View Assisted Living and Memory Care Center on Dec. 6.
DRIVEN faculty advisor Matt Nie said the students made remarkable contributions during the event.
“They decked the halls, made crafts, played bingo, led a sing-a-long and connected with seniors at the Memory Care Center,” Nie said. “In addition, over 100 students braved the cold, sang songs, and rang bells for Love, Inc.”
The students spent time outside of area businesses including Walgreens and Walmart seeking donations with $2,218 in funds raised for Love. Inc.
Sophomore Beau Paret said he found joy and warmth even when the temperatures suggested otherwise.
“It was cold out there, but it was fun seeing everyone come in with smiles on their face,” Paret said.
Paret, who is in his first year with DRIVEN, joined hundreds of other students who also contributed at Arbor View.
Erin Gritzner, Life Enrichment Coordinator at the assisted living and memory care center, has been involved with the project for several years and found students take a genuine interest in residents.
“Mixing the generations is honestly the best thing to see. The residents get to share what their past lives were when they were teenagers compared to these kids now is very beneficial,” Gritzner said. “I think the residents benefit because they love seeing the kids and they love interacting with them.”
Senior Katie Beaudette, who has been in DRIVEN for three years, said she always finds joy walking through Arbor View and meeting residents.
“I really like being able to walk through the building and that they are already happy to see us,” Beaudette said. “Everybody has a story whether they want to share it or not. We all come from different backgrounds and sometimes you just need to listen.”
Gritzner pointed out that some residents may not be able to see their families and believes a visit from a younger generation brightens their lives.
“A lot of these residents do not see their families very much during the holidays anymore so it brings them so much joy,” Gritzner said. “(The students) are always polite. They get everything decorated and they bring laughter, joy, and games to the residents.”
Paret admitted he did not envision how much of a difference he could make for the Arbor View residents.
“It is interesting to see how happy they are to see us,” said Paret, who listened intently to one resident before helping with bingo. “Just hanging out with them and talking with them is very enjoyable.”
Beaudette agreed.
“I think it is really amazing to go out and have a positive impact on the community,” she said.
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