July 2, 2014 (Wallace, NC) ─ Sometimes the best way to learn about someone is to spend a day walking in their shoes. That’s just what a group of high school students from the Duplin Health Sciences Academy set out to do when they enrolled in Geriatric Camp, sponsored in part by the Duplin Foundation for Youth Advancement. Students are learning about the health issues associated with aging by working one-on-one with residents at Dayspring of Wallace, a DePaul Senior Living Community in Wallace.

Students held a social for residents at Dayspring of Wallace, played games with them, created crafts, provided manicures and socialized.

“In a short period of time, the students bonded with the residents they worked with and realized the wisdom our aging population has to offer,” said Instructor Debra Sholar. “They enjoyed feeling needed by the residents and we definitely hope to return next year!”

Pictured as a group are (front row, left to right) Casey Whitted, Jonae Herring, Kamille Brown, Haley Thurston, and Anna Page, (back row) Logan Kennedy, Braeden Kelley, Grisha Villeda, Dawn Smith, and Jayne Kelly. Pictured above with Dayspring of Wallace resident Esther Trujillo is Duplin Health Science Academy student Haley Thurston.

Sholar said the students must obtain 25 hours of volunteer service each year.

Activities Director Lisa Rich said the residents loved the experience and said it was like spending the day with their grandchildren. For more information about Dayspring of Wallace, please contact Administrator Judy Parker at (910) 285-9050 or visit us on Facebook.