On Oct. 23, the Senior Support Club held their interest meeting–aiming to garner attention to their organization.
The club started in early October after the founders held a meeting with Dr. Heisey where their club was then approved. They held their first official event, a bake sale, after school on Nov. 8.
The idea for the club came from three students: Irfa Azhar and Amelia Condell—the presidents of the club, as well as Ellie Schwartzman—who is the vice president. Originally, the club began as two different ideas. Azhar and Condell had an idea for a club that visited senior homes and Schwartzman wanted to work on something similar to an organization that she is involved in called ‘Glamour Girls.’ ‘Glamour Girls’ works with senior homes to connect high school students with elders and form connections. Students do more ‘glamor’ related activities with the seniors, including painting nails, doing hair, etc.
The club has contact within local elder care homes, and hopes to combat a common issue in senior living facilities.
“We want to connect the seniors with the high school students by using engaging activities and visiting them to prevent loneliness,” Azhar said.
“A lot of seniors [can get] lonely, especially in [senior living] homes, because they are away from their families,” Condell said.
The girls recognize that even though they cannot help all seniors or completely rid them of their loneliness, they are still helping them and forming valuable bonds.
The club offers SPFHS students the opportunity to connect with the elder community and form strong relations, as well as get community service hours that can be especially useful for students that are interested in National Honor Society.
The club is advised by Lauren DeNicola, a biology teacher at SPFHS. The club’s board consists of the following students:
Presidents: Irfa Azhar (10) and Amelia Condell (10)
Vice President: Ellie Schwartzman (10)
Treasurer: Alyssa Verducci (11)
Event Planner: Dylin Kervel (10)
Social Media Chair: Sydney Bethune (10)
Despite it being their first year as a club, the Senior Support Club serves a great purpose within the Scotch Plains-Fanwood and neighboring communities that will help aid so many elders in need.
“Our main focus is to end senior isolation,” Condell said. “No matter which [senior living] home we are going to.”
