Congratulations to the BCRTA Golden Star Award winners for 2025. Three public school programs were recognized for demonstrating excellence in intergenerational programming involving students and seniors. Veterans and other survivors of war were an integral part of the fourth program that won the Legion/Golden Star Award. Each selected school received a Golden Star Award statue and a cheque for $2,000.00. Hats off to the inspirational teachers who organized the programs and to the students and seniors who participated. Here are their stories.
Greenwood Elementary School
Hangin’ with our Parkview Peeps
Jennifer Eaton and her grade 4/5 or 5/6 students have been visiting and building relationships with 25 seniors at Parkview Manor in Midway for four years. Through interviews, games and crafts,  an understanding and care for each other has grown. A favourite seasonal activity of students is creating  daily advent surprises for their Parkview friends. Seniors signal their appreciation by planning activities such as decorating gingerbread houses or Easter egg hunts for the students. These activities are reported in the Parkview community newsletters. The Golden Star Award monies will be used for activity supplies to enhance the program and transportation to Parkview Manor in Midway.
Lord Kelvin Elementary School
Sewing Seniors and Such
For the last eight years teacher Kim Zimmerman and approximately ten seniors have met to plan a unique and meaningful intergenerational program for students. The hands-on sewing activities might include an eco-friendly snack bag or seasonal sewing crafts.  Through working closely together, students develop a new appreciation for the older generation. Reciprocal empathy and respect mature as seniors help students improve or acquire new skills. Accountability cultivates responsible behaviours and builds student confidence. Students write about and display their projects. The Golden Star Award monies will enable the purchase of another sewing machine and additional supplies to expand the program.
Ladysmith Secondary School
Friends for Oyster Harbour Community
For 25 years an intergenerational program at assisted living Oyster Harbour Seniors Community has been in place. School counsellor, Kristen Toole works with student volunteers that visit the home every Monday. The goal of these volunteers is to provide companionship through a “window to the outside world”. Connecting the generations requires critical and creative thinking before sharing personal experiences. Students plan and suggest but seniors select their activities based on interest, physical ability and wellness. This tangible program generates opportunity for a richer understanding of older generations as it links to the broader community. the  Ladysmith Healthcare Auxiliary offers one of two $4,000 bursaries to a volunteer student entering a health-related field. The Golden Star Award will be used to provide more resources for the program.
JW Inglis Elementary School
Community Connections
Jennie Currie has spent the last six years with grade 4/5 students helping them connect to community seniors and veterans through a program called No Stone Left Alone. Students visit the local cemetery to find a veteran’s gravestone where they read out information they researched about that person. This has fostered a clearer understanding and greater empathy for life during times of conflict and resulted in gratitude for the sacrifices others have made for them.  Community connections continue through activities such as Valentines for Veterans and a Drop-in program at Saddle Mountain Place, a home for seniors. The Golden Star Award monies will be used to offset transportation, postage and program supplies.
Help BC Students and Seniors Connect
Know an exceptional Student-Senior program in your community? Invite them to apply for a BCRTA Golden Star Award!
