While many were hunting for Easter eggs, enjoying candy, or celebrating Passover, two Storm King students took an opportunity to bring a breath of spring to senior citizens living at the New Windsor Country Inn. On Sunday, April 1, Polina Shklovskaya ’18 and Igor Klimtsov ’20 traveled to the nearby senior home to entertain the residents and help to serve them a holiday meal.
Polina helping a New Windsor Country Inn resident decorate a vase
Along with warm smiles and lively conversation, the students spent all afternoon with the residents doing what they love to do here at Storm King – create pieces of art. Polina had already planned to organize an art class for the seniors, so when she heard about the Easter Sunday service trip, she immediately included an Easter-themed art project as part of her plan. Igor was also looking for opportunities to give back to the community during the holiday weekend, so he also most generously volunteered to participate.
Another happy resident shows the vase she created
For five hours, the students and Mr. and Mrs. Panella helped the residents decorate and paint vases in beautiful spring colors. “You could see their faces lighting up as the afternoon progressed. It was a fun and exciting experience for all of us, and very memorable for those at the Inn. It was quite remarkable, actually,” commented Mr. Panella after they returned. “The SKS community should be proud of the two of them.”
Both students were awarded an SKS Motto Pin by Mr. Panella for going above and beyond to give the senior citizens a holiday to remember.
The group is hard at work decorating their vases