Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
SALT LAKE CITY — The holidays can be a lonely time for many Utah seniors, but a group of young voices is turning that around at Liberty Senior Center in Salt Lake City. After months of practice, it’s performance day for students from Ensign Elementary. “They have been so excited for this. We've been practicing since about September,” said Kristen Adams, Ensign Elementary music specialist. Their audience is also looking forward to a break from the everyday hustle and bustle. “We wanted to bring something light and positive around the center. Things are kind of hard,” said Leah Robledo with the Liberty Senior Center. “We do have a lot of seniors and participants who happen to be less fortunate, homeless.” Students kicked things off with a fun number, performing a variety of holiday favorites. And at one point, getting seniors up on their feet. “You can see the faces of the audience you can see it in their eyes that they’re enjoying it, they’re feeling it,” said Adams. Robledo says this moment means a lot. “A lot of them are grandparents themselves so seeing children reminds them of their grandchildren.” Students like Hudson Fair felt the joy too. “It makes me happy.” Adams says as much as the performance is for seniors, her students walk away with some life lessons. “To know that they are serving them, they’re lifting them. They’re bringing joy to their lives. That’s such a good feeling.” That spirit is felt by the seniors. “Having people come in and bring a smiling face and good cheer makes them feel really welcomed and makes them feel whole again.” One song at a time, students prove the spirit of the season is about lifting each other up – no matter your age.
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