To Whom It May Concern,

          This year 6 students from Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis participated in an Intergenerational program with Craig Banister and Encore West that has truly changed them forever.  When Craig Banister first introduced his idea to the school, we were excited to get involved.  Students at the school have worked with Senior Citizens before, and saw the impact they have made on these individuals lives.  When Mr. Banister mentioned that not only will this seven week internship incorporate visiting the elderly at their place of residence, but a full scale production, written, directed and performed by the students and their “adopted grandparents”, we were very excited to get started. 

	On the first day the students visited their group of “grandparents” and instant connection was created.  While hesitant at firs, the students realized that the senior citizens were full of life, laughter, joy and stories to tell.  Mr. Banister facilitated fun and exciting activities for the students and adults.  Through ice breakers and improve, the students and the adults got to know each other, their differences and most importantly their similarities.  When we were done with the first day of our internship, Amber Arteaga a 10th grade student told me “This was one of the most touching things I’ve ever done”.  And this was only the beginning.

	While I accompanied the students on the first few trips to Encore West, they soon began to go to the Internship on their own.  Each time they came back with laughter and stories about what had transpired the day before.  Not only did they find a kinship with the senior citizens, but they discovered the amazing lives that they have lead and how those lives shaped them as individuals.  I could see that this experience was shaping my students as well.

	During the course of the internship I began to notice positive changes in my students.  They would be more willing to speak up in the classroom, and those that tended to be confrontational at times, softened up and began to take things more seriously.  It was evident that they now felt a part of an amazing experience, and it was encouraging them to be positive in every possible way.

	At the conclusion of the program, Craig Banister orchestrated a very touching performance.  The students and the senior citizens singing, dancing and acting together left not a dry eye in the audience.  But the most touching part of the night was at the conclusion, when it was time to say goodbye a final time.  Students who prior to this program would never be able to identify with older people, and adults who often harbor misconceptions about teenagers were crying and hugging on stage.  Neither of the groups wanted the program to end, and they promised each other that they would see one another again.  

	Not only did the crew put up a wonderful performance, but they also managed to raise money for a charitable cause that they decided on together.  It was great to see all the effort that they put in, and the great result that came because of it.

	The students took with them several things from the program:
1. A deeper understanding and appreciation for their elders.
2. An eradication of misconceptions that we often form about people that are unlike us.
3. A bond with another human being that will last a life time.
4. Great stories to tell their friends and family. 

	We are very excited to work with Craig Banister again.

Sincerely,
Jane Valit
English Teacher
Community Service Coordinator