Central Arizona Aging sponsored an Essay Contest for High School Students in honor of Older Americans Month.
Each year the month of May is recognized as Older Americans Month. Central Arizona Aging offered high school students the unique opportunity to interview an older adult age 65+ and write an essay on what they had learned from the interview, as well as how they will apply that knowledge to their own lives.
The process of this intergenerational interviewing helps high school students develop the skills of organizing and preparing for an interview and presenting data collected through their interviews, into a coherent narrative or story. By providing a venue for Older Americans to interact with younger generations, there is an opportunity to build new relationships, as well as decrease feelings of isolation and depression. Some of the benefits for both students and older adults can be a higher sense of purpose and self-esteem. It is truly a mutually beneficial learning experience on both sides.
The two main themes that seemed to flow through the essays were how students found the older adults to be interesting and knowledgeable, as well as recognizing all the changes in the world that older adults had experienced in their lifetimes.
Essays were reviewed and winners chosen by an independent judge. Prize money was donated anonymously.
1st Place $300 Winner: Amelia Oldham, Maricopa Christian Academy, Maricopa. Amelia interviewed her “Grandfather”, Brother Donald Burton.
2nd Place $200 Winner: Evelyn Martinez, Maricopa Christian Academy, Maricopa. Evelyn interviewed her grandmother, Claudia.
3rd Place $100 Winner: Kaleb Quimpo, Maricopa Christian Academy, Maricopa. Kaleb interviewed his grandfather.
Honorable Mention: Lily Callewaert, San Manuel High School, San Manuel. Lily interviewed her grandmother, Kathy Irwin.
Honorable Mention: Jackelyn Quijada, San Manuel High School, San Manuel. Jackelyn interviewed her grandfather, Miguel Quijada.