Tyrone High School Student Makes an Impact at Senior Living Community

ALTOONA, Pa. - April 10, 2014 - PRLog -- On a typical afternoon at Colonial Courtyard at Tyrone, residents of the senior living community eagerly await the end of another school day.

     Once Tyrone Area High School is out, chances are that senior student Susannah Welsh soon will arrive at Colonial Courtyard at Tyrone, where she regularly volunteers.

     “Susannah is here almost every day except weekends and when school is off,” said Vienna Rice, Activities Coordinator at Colonial Courtyard at Tyrone. “Our residents love her and she is so good with them. Her smile just lights up the residents’ faces.”

     April is National Volunteer Month, with National Volunteer Week from April 6-12. Colonial Courtyard at Tyrone recognizes Welsh and all the volunteers who enrich the residents’ lives. A Volunteer Appreciation luncheon will be held on April 22 at the community located at 5546 East Pleasant Valley Boulevard, Tyrone.

    Welsh and other volunteer students from Altoona Central Catholic School, Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School and St. Matthew’s Elementary provide a number of services ranging from reading to the residents to assisting them during meal time. Volunteers encourage residents to play games such as bingo. They’ll participate in holiday events and parties. Most importantly, they talk and listen.

     Susannah has developed a special bond with the residents and staff at Colonial Courtyard at Tyrone.    “We love Susannah because she will take her time with us, she is sweet, and is genuinely a great young lady,” said a resident named Peggy.

     “Susannah really can give us a work out in exercise, and we loved watching her grow over the last few months,” said resident Eleanor. “She is such a beautiful young lady.”

      Volunteers make a difference in so many people’s lives, which is why Colonial Courtyard at Tyrone puts such an emphasis on National Volunteer Month.

     Seemingly simple tasks take on great significance at the senior living community.

     “I love when Susannah comes to my room to get me for morning devotions,” said Jane, a resident. “She has such a soft, but clear voice and a smile that could brighten the room.”

     “She takes her time and that means a lot to this old gal,” added a resident named Grace.

    “I wish there are more girls like Susannah,” said resident Sarah. “She is just so kind and she really cares about what she does here. She works from her heart.”