On Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday, Believe in U Leadership students from Walker Junior High School (La Palma) volunteered on their day off to teach senior citizens how to use technology.
The students’ efforts were part of the Anaheim Union High School District’s First Annual Servathon envisioned by the Anaheim Union High School District’s Superintendent Michael Matsuda. Matsuda, an education visionary, inspired students across the district to make a difference in their communities and celebrate legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.
Over 4,000 students from across the Anaheim Union High School District participated in service activities in their communities of Anaheim, Stanton, Buena Park, La Palma, Cypress, and surrounding communities. On the morning of Jan. 19, students from Walker Junior High School’s Believe in U program readied for seniors to bring their own devices and learn how to use them.
The youth are “digital natives” and technology is second nature to them. Students eagerly awaited the arrival of the senior citizens who brought their smartphones, tablets, and laptops in to receive help. Many seniors said it was a great event and they learned something new.
Nicole Nguyen, eighth grader at Walker Junior High School remarked, “At the Servathon, I helped grandpas and grandmas with their simple technology needs.”
Jennifer Sasai, a Walker Junior High School teacher, said the day was marked as a chance for students be more involved with their community.
“This was a great opportunity for students to give back to the community and help others,” Sasai said.”
A special thank you to Ruth Schnipper and Roberta O”Toole from Tanglewood North HOA for hosting the event at one of the Clubhouses. It is the hope that this becomes a yearly tradition.