Twelfth-grade students from West Catholic High School spent several weeks connecting with residents at St. Ann’s Home as part of an English class project inspired by the book “Tuesdays with Morrie,” which students read in class. Through a series of interviews, West Catholic students listened to residents’ life stories, documented their experiences and turned them into written narratives.

On Wednesday, March 26, students visited St. Ann’s Home to share the finished stories with the residents. The project, led by English teacher Stacey Danevicz, was designed to help students develop writing skills while fostering meaningful intergenerational relationships. Much like the conversations between Mitch Albom and Morrie Schwartz in “Tuesdays with Morrie,” these interviews have encouraged students to learn from and appreciate the wisdom of another generation.

During their conversations, students heard about moments in history, personal struggles and life lessons through the eyes of the senior citizens with whom they were paired. Students shared that the experience was eye-opening, helping them gain a new appreciation for the wisdom and resilience of the older generation.

MEDIA COVERAGE:

• WZZM 13 – West MI high school project involving retirement home residents bridges the gap between generations