Staff writer
Centre seniors Makenzie Deines and Bryanna Svoboda met Friday with senior citizens at the Hilltop Community Center in Herington to help them learn how to use computers and iPads. The meeting was part of an ongoing weekly community service project called “Senior Savvy” that the girls developed as members of Future Business Leaders of America.
The project received second place at the state convention earlier in the week at Topeka and will be submitted in national competition in June.
Lucille Heiser was among those who attended the session.
“I’m just learning,” she said. “I wouldn’t have been able to do it without these girls. My kids are too far away.”
Dan Falen said he has learned how to undo his mistakes and find missing folders.
“I got this iPad at Christmas, and it doesn’t come with any instructions at all,” Yvonne Miller said. “It is nice to sit in a rocking chair and not at a computer and play games or e-mail.”
Ruth Clark said she was excited to have the girls come and help her learn how to use her iPad.
“My grandkids can play games on it, too,” she said. “Sometimes I watch TV shows, and I have my Bible on it and really like that.”
Merv Deines, a farmer from Ramona, said he has learned a lot.
“I enjoy the talent that the girls have. They are able to teach the information to an old farmer like me. And it is unreal how fast you can get all this information through a computer.”
Makenzie Deines said Senior Savvy means the world to her, and she was thrilled the project qualified for nationals.
The two girls were surprised at the new friendships gained as a result of their experiences.
“We love to not only show them what technology can add to their day to day lives but we love socializing with them,” she said. “Senior Savvy would not be what it is without them attending because it simply wouldn’t be. They fill the seats every week and they ask the questions. Bryanna and I have the easy part. We get to answer them and see the benefits that technology has played in their lives.”
Deines said other schools have heard about the project and want to implement a similar program. She hopes other Centre students will continue the project in future years.