Fourth-graders at Conemaugh Township Area Intermediate School had the opportunity to learn some first-hand wisdom from an older generation last week.

The students read “The Hundred Penny Box,” which tells the story of a boy whose great-great-aunt Dew comes to live with his family at the age of 100. With her, she brings a box containing 100 pennies, which represent memories from every year of her life. Throughout the tale, she shares these memories and experiences with her nephew. 

In conjunction with the book, students interviewed seniors from the community about their lives. The volunteers were assembled by Jill Durrant through the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, said Catherine Vigna, fourth-grade teacher.

Students brainstormed a list of 17 questions earlier in the week to ask the guests. Topics ranged from straight-forward fact-finding about how long they have lived in the area or their hobbies, to tougher questions such as, “What’s your best piece of advice for living?”

The students were eager to share their own stories with the seniors as well. Each one had made their own “penny box” containing personal mementos from their lives, which they shared with their guests during the interview.

Some students even shared their future goals and dreams. Upon learning that her guest’s childhood hero was Amelia Earhart, one student shared that she would like to major in history in college so she can solve the mystery surrounding the pilot’s disappearance. Others expressed interest in seeing some of the foreign places their guests had visited during their lives.

“It’s wonderful to see the kids listening so intently,” Vigna said as she observed the interviews. “This project really allows them to enrich their lives.”