More than 30 local senior volunteers visited Hamilton High School on Tuesday, October 15 for the Seniors & Students Annual Fall Kick Off Event. Volunteers celebrated the start of the 2024-25 school year and heard from guest speakers including Hamilton School District Superintendent Paul Mielke, Ph.D. about how impactful this long-standing program is for students.
More than 20 Student Council members from Templeton Middle School volunteered their time to socialize with and serve seniors light refreshments during the event.
“When our students sit down at the Senior Cafe they are making a true connection with you and you are making a true connection with them,” Lannon Elementary School Principal Brian Balfany explained to the volunteers in attendance. “They’re so excited just to talk to you. They’re so excited to hear what you have to say and for those stories to be shared. I just can’t articulate enough how meaningful that is.”
Seniors & Students is a volunteer program designed to recruit and place volunteers age 55 and older in the Hamilton School District. Volunteers work with teachers and other staff to support student learning. The two main components of the program are Seniors Cafes and the Pen Pal Program. Volunteers gather with students every other week during Senior Cafes at Lannon, Maple Avenue, Marcy and Woodside elementary schools. Most of these gatherings take place during the students’ lunch period. The Pen Pal project involves senior volunteers corresponding with hundreds of fourth grade students across all four elementary schools in the Hamilton School District.
Volunteers also enjoyed hearing a video message from Hamilton High School senior Olivia Frea who shared her fond memories of participating in the program eight years ago. “I would say that was one of my most favorable and memorable experiences of elementary school,” said Frea. “I also remember always looking forward to getting a letter from my pen pal. I think it made me enjoy writing more,” shared Frea. “That’s my favorite subject now!”
“On behalf of all the elementary principals and students, thank you for being meaningful and valuable parts of our day,” added Balfany.
If you are interested in learning more about the Seniors & Students Program or becoming a volunteer, please contact Seniors & Students Coordinator Jeannette Choate at (262)-246-1973 or choaje@hamilton.k12.wi.us.