Friends for Life

Mrs. Fuhrer's Third Grade & Mrs. Klotz

Mrs. Mary Helen Fuhrer, her third graders and their parents, and Mrs. Theresa Klotz are involved with residents of Meadows Manor North Convalescent Center with the Friends for Life program. Through this program, they all interact with residents of Meadows Manor North throughout the school year. They meet with their Friends for approximately six times during the school year. Each time they meet, they take photographs and videotape the activities. At the end of the school year, they present Meadows Manor North with an album of pictures. The school also keeps an album for the children to reflect upon.

Some of the activities in which the students are involved include the following: they interview their Friend for Life, write a story from the interview, and present the story to their Friend. After the interview, the students are always so excited to find how much they have in common with their Friend. Using their computer knowledge and skills, the students design various cards throughout the year for their Friend. Also, throughout the year, the students bring books to read to them. Four times during the year, the Friends are presented with flowers. On the last visit in May, they all gather for a picnic in the courtyard at Meadows Manor North. At that time, students present the picture album, read to their Friends, play games, and eat lunch.

This program, which has been in place for more than ten years, enhances the lives of the Fuqua students, as well as the lives of their Friends. The students develop loving relationships which, many times, increases the self esteem of our students which carries over to daily responsibility and to their work ethic at school.

Throughout the years, several grants have made this program possible. Those are as follows: Wabash Valley Community Foundation, Vigo County Educational Foundation, Indiana C.H.A.N.C.E.S. for Indiana Youth YAR (Youth as Resources). Galloway Photo has provided film and processing of film. Regional Hospital has provided for bus transportation.