The Gentle Hands Club, like many other student-led clubs at the high school, plans to make a positive impact both inside the school and out in the community. What truly sets the club apart is their mission to connect the older and younger generations. They achieve this through meaningful relationships, shared knowledge and small acts of kindness that leave memorable impressions on everyone involved.
Started in second semester, the Gentle Hands Club was a new addition to the many student-led clubs at the high school. It also brought a new idea of how to bring high school students and the community together. The goal for the club was to bring high schoolers and senior residents together through various activities. The activities can range from small acts of gratitude through crafts or cards to deliver at volunteer events.
Maggie McGrorty, junior and co-president of the Gentle Hands Club, wanted to start the club to connect high school students with older generations. McGrorty hoped that the connection would create relationships that differ from the “typical high schooler to high schooler” relationships.
In addition, the ability to show love and support to others made those relationships even stronger. Through small talk and small gestures, members were able to brighten residents’ day. These meaningful interactions helped create bonds built on care and service.
“I’ve learned compassion, respect and how to be more kind towards people,” sophomore member Halie Evenson explained.
At its core, community and compassion is what the club is about, and with it comes learning communication skills and volunteer opportunities. At the biweekly club meetings, club members participate in fun activities that allow them to socialize and connect with each other. These interactions increased the sense of community and also made collaboration even stronger.
When asked about the club meetings, McGrorty explained how each activity done at meetings or during volunteer hours teaches members different leadership skills, which can be taken with them and used in the future.
Volunteer opportunities take place at Boutwells Landing Care Center, located not far from the high school. This made accessibility to meet with residents much more efficient. Club members have the ability to volunteer at Boutwells once a month. There, they get to spend time with residents by doing activities or simply having conversation.
English teacher Claire Stokes hosts the Gentle Hands Club meetings every other Tuesday in her classroom. Stokes explained how fulfilled she felt when seeing all of the excitement members brought to the club. She also noticed how engaged the students were to ensure that the experiences were impactful and meaningful.
In the months to come, the Gentle Hands Club will continue to spread love and joy to older generations through their monthly visits to Boutwells Landing Care Center. During each visit, club members will have the opportunity to further connect and learn from the experiences of Boutwells’ residents. With every conversation and shared moment, the club is a reminder that community begins with passion.
