The Gurney Service Learning Club, made up of enthusiastic third graders from Gurney Elementary, recently brought joy and laughter to the residents of Hamlet during a heartwarming visit filled with games, music, and shared stories. Led by school counselor Dale Tschappat and teacher Courtney Mooney, the club makes monthly visits to their senior friends at Hamlet, fostering meaningful connections across generations.
During their latest visit, the students and residents gathered for a lively game of Crazy 8s, where friendly competition and camaraderie took center stage. As they played, the group enjoyed the sounds of traditional Irish music, adding a festive touch to the St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Decked out in shades of green, both students and residents exchanged smiles, stories, and fond memories of their favorite card games.
Adding a unique twist to the visit, one student even brought along the class "pet" skunk—part of Gurney Elementary’s One School, One Book program. This year, the school is reading “A Boy Called BAT,” a story that features a skunk as a central character. Each classroom has its own stuffed skunk and a journal, where students document their experiences when they take the pet home. They add journal entries with photos and written descriptions of their adventures before sharing them with the class.
Through their monthly visits, the Gurney Service Learning Club continues to brighten the days of Hamlet residents while learning valuable lessons about kindness, empathy, and the joy of building friendships across generations. Small moments—like a shared game of cards or a friendly conversation—can leave a lasting impact, and this visit was a perfect reminder of that.
