Jordan Seagrave, a seventh grade student at Ignacio Middle School, pounds fists with Hazel Starbuck, right, an Ignacio Senior Center resident, and Ramona Eagle, a Southern Ute Tribal Council member, at the senior center Wednesday. Seagrave and other students helped serve lunch and got to know their elders through the community connections program.
Ignacio Middle School teacher David Quiroz brought students in the school’s alternative classes to the Ignacio Senior Center on Wednesday to forge connections between generations.
Before lunch, students asked to visit their grandparents or went around the residential complex to invite their favorite elders to eat with them.
During lunch, students introduced themselves, served drinks and food, talked with the elders and cleaned up.
The program is designed to help students, who might be facing challenges at home or in school, make new relationships.
“I try to get them to engage in the community and the senior center,” Quiroz said. “It connects them.”
Ignacio Middle School students and Ignacio Senior Center residents enjoy a meal together Wednesday at the senior center. The students visit their elders as part of the school’s alternative education program.
