Encinal students visited St. Paul’s Tower in Oakland on December 5, teaming up with teachers to spread holiday cheer to residents. Encinal’s digital film and radio students interviewed residents, while leadership students led activities with the elderly. Throughout the visit, residents and visitors could sit and listen to holiday music performed by Encinal’s band.
“I saw the joy in all the faces of the people we were playing for, and I hope my students saw that too,” band teacher Mr. Wagner said. “I also saw a lot of interaction, whether it was dancing or moving, and all of that happened because of live music.”
A wide variety of activities, including gingerbread house making, interviews, board games and listening to music, gave everyone a chance to enjoy the holidays in their own way. The interactions and time spent between students and senior citizens helped build a bridge between generations, allowing teens to gain insight into life in the past.
The idea for the St. Paul’s Tower field trip began last year when Encinal juniors Mia, Georgia and Iris wanted to do something for the community. Leadership adviser, radio teacher and athletic director Mr. Gorham suggested visiting his mother at St. Paul’s Tower to spread holiday cheer. The trip was such a success last year, with both students and senior citizens enjoying the experience, that Encinal revisited St. Paul’s Tower and plans to make it an annual holiday tradition.
“My students can see through the lens of someone who is 60, 70 or 80 years old,” Gorham said. “They can hear about Christmas in the past and also see the similarities and differences between then and now. Even with a 60-year gap, they still enjoy the holidays in the same way.”
“This year was especially meaningful because my mom is very sick, and she was able to come down and enjoy the experience,” he added. “It’s a memory that will last a lifetime for her.”
Leadership students hope to continue visiting St. Paul’s Tower and bringing joy and laughter to residents in the coming years.