by Evan Kulper

Salmonberry student

During the month of March the students in the intermediate class at Salmonberry School interviewed seniors at the Orcas Island Senior Center for an oral history project.

“This project brings to life history for students. It also celebrates the lives and experiences of the seniors,” says assistant teacher Emmy Gran, who thought it would be a fun learning experience for the kids.

Salmonberry is a private elementary school and an independent preschool serving children ages three to 12.

“We love kids,” says senior Linda Todd. “I like to share our experiences with kids. There’s a lot of history on the island that gets lost if we don’t share it with the next generation.”

Irene O’Neill, whose grandfather came to the island in 1886, said, “I’ve traced my family back several generations. I like history and I think kids need to be encouraged. I don’t mind talking; I sometimes talk too much! Being able to pass life stories on is very important.”

The kids heard stories about everything from raising chickens in mass quantity to Nazi invasions.

“It has been an interesting reality check,” Todd says. “They haven’t even heard of Vietnam.”

The students recorded dozens of hours of life stories on tape recorders and have taken a lot of time to make a play that they will perform on Friday, May 20, at 12:30 p.m. at the senior center. It is open to the public.

“I’m really proud of my students; they have worked really hard and it shows,” says Gran.

Fourth-grade student Orion Meskew said, “The seniors have a lot to share and we love listening.”

Said fifth-grader Olivia Morris, “I really liked it and I thought it was a new experience.”

Evan Kulper is a fourth grade student at Salmonberry School. His mom Edee helped him with the piece.