Harshini Godvarthi
When Coppell High School Anatomy and Physiology students were asked to ponder the question, “What can we do to improve the health and wellness of our community?” some explored ideas such as fitness initiatives or increased access to nutritional advice, but junior Harshini Godvarthi sought to improve the mental health of her elderly community.
She and her peers decided to host a holiday party for Coppell senior citizens.
“We wanted to do this event to help bring positive mental health within our community and also build relationships between Coppell High School students and seniors,” she said.
More than 50 seniors joined in the fun at the Coppell Senior Center on Dec. 8. The students created stations with games including charades, mancala, Bananagrams and 20 questions, which allowed the seniors to get to know the students and vice versa. The senior citizens also showed off their creative flare with cookie decorating and gingerbread house contests and by drawing cards for the CHS toy drive.
“Lastly, we have cornhole, which they take pretty seriously here,” Godavarthi said.
The students planned the event with the knowledge that many people — the elderly especially — tend to experience loneliness more around the holidays.
“[The goal was] to get them out, meet new people, talk and just get to know people more. If I was a senior, I would want to go talk to the new generation and see what they're up to,” Godavathi said.
Each of the student volunteers chose to give up their afternoons on a half-day to bring holiday cheer to the seniors. Though the party was planned for the seniors citizens, Godavarthi hopes her CHS classmates also made the most of the experience.
“I really hoped people would show up. They did not disappoint. I honestly hope that they’re enjoying this and hope that they get to meet the seniors and maybe get some advice from them” she said.
CHS Anatomy and Physiology teachers Jodie Deinhammer and Sarah Grover — without whom Godavarthi says the project would not have been possible — helped guide the students as they secured a venue, food donations and materials for the event. Deinhammer mentions that though this is a new project, the Godavarthi wants to expand it and visit other senior centers in the area monthly and considers making it a club at CHS during her senior year.
“I just like bringing smiles to people’s faces,” the junior said. “I’m really grateful to be part of the Coppell community, and seeing an event like this happening makes me feel excited to meet new people and talk to more seniors. It makes me really happy.”