Ansonia High School’s Human Relations Club is broadening its reach.
The club, which has hosted intergenerational events like ice cream socials and themed dinners, in the past confined its reach to Ansonia.
But on Thursday (April 4) the club hosted an intergenerational Hawaiian holiday party to entertain over 100 visiting seniors from Ansonia’s Doyle Senior Center and also the Derby Senior Center.
Students from Ansonia Middle School, as well as high school and middle school students from Derby, also took part in putting on the event.
Students and seniors socialized, learned about Hawaiian culture, and even got a free hula lesson.
Judging by the reception, the event was a success.
“I thought it was wonderful,” Mary Blewett of Ansonia said. “I’ve never been to Hawaii, but it was a really nice performance.”
Blewett attended the Hawaiian holiday party with her husband Bill and said they enjoyed learning about the Hawaiian culture and seeing a traditional dance.
Along with sharing interactions with the students, she said it made for a good night.
Karalyn Meineke, the club’s intergenerational officer, said students had been planning the event since last November.
“I really believe in the club and what it stands for,” Meineke said. “I love the interaction between the students and seniors and hearing their stories of Ansonia and Derby.”
Click here to read more about the Human Relations Club.
Club advisor Nick Collicelli said broadening the reach of the event was a “significant” step for the club.
The Valley Community Foundation helped sponsor the event, said Collicelli.
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Ansonia Schools Superintendent Carol Merlone said she is proud of the Human Relations Club and all their work with integrating generations and different school systems.
“It’s a phenomenal club and Mr. Collicelli really develops the students to be leaders and reduce prejudice,” Merlone said. “It’s really great to see the students interact with the elderly in the intergenerational program.”
Rozina Jaser, a seventh-grade science teacher from Derby Middle School, said she couldn’t be happier to have her students involved in the program.
“We’re so excited to integrate our students in the community,” Jasor said. “It’s great to teach through expression, than in a typical classroom setting.”
The program featured hula dancer Teri “Tiare Kahana” Bourget and friends.
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The Hawaiian dancers shared lessons on the Hawaiian culture and how to properly hula dance.
Students were bought up for a hula lesson, which followed with a macarena dance around the gym.
Though many seniors were reluctant, some still participated in hula dancing as well.
The finale was performed by “The Chief,” who did a traditional dance with a flaming torch.
Ashley Adams, a junior at Ansonia High, said it’s her first year in the Human Relations Club.
“This is my second program since I’ve been in the club,” she said. “It’s good to see familiar faces and for (seniors) to come out and take part in the events again.”
