The Harrison School District is proud to spotlight an impactful community service project led by Harrison Middle School teacher and volleyball coach April Mattix. Coach Mattix's advanced 7th and 8th-grade, commercial, and visual arts students partnered with the local non-profit Three Wishes for Ruby's Residents to connect with area seniors.
The project involved students handwriting heartfelt letters to nursing home residents. Coach Mattix shared that the inspiration was deeply personal: it came from her own experiences visiting her grandmother. She shared her experiences with her students, which helped them build a deeper understanding about the importance of their letters.
While initially designed to improve writing skills, the project quickly became much more impactful.
"The letters helped bridge a gap and build relationships, reminding residents they are not alone," Coach Mattix explained. "As a result, the students felt a profound connection to the recipients, with many reporting in a 'Feedback Friday' session how special it made them feel to make a positive difference in someone’s life.”
The organization the students benefited, Three Wishes for Ruby's Residents, grants simple wishes to nursing home seniors. Amanda Chitsey from the organization expressed her gratitude and the profound effect of Coach Mattix's students' letters:
"You know sometimes it is the smallest gestures that carry the biggest love....and these middle schoolers didn't text, they didn't email....they picked up a pencil or a pen and they handwrote all of these real letters to nursing home seniors to just cheer them up," Chitsey said. "You know what this does? It really just reminds the seniors that they are valued, that they're remembered, and that they're seen. THANK YOU, MIDDLE SCHOOLERS for changing lives."
The success of this project has inspired a continuing outreach; Coach Mattix confirmed there will now be a monthly project for nursing home residents, ensuring the connection between HMS students and their senior neighbors continues to grow.
Good job, Coach Mattix! Good job, Students!
