Carmelita Litson wove her way through a throng of student and administrative helpers Wednesday as they talked and mingled with dozens of senior citizens gathered for the second annual Elder Appreciation Celebration. The First-Year Experience (FYE) program at the college, under the direction of Stephanne Jim, hosted the three-hour event at the student union building (SUB). More than 120 senior citizens from as far away as Rock Point, Lukachukai, and Kayenta attended and took part in mug creations, button making crafts, bird house making, magnet coloring and drawing, bingo, and word search games.

“We enjoy and have tremendous love and respect for our grandparents,” Jim says. “The teachings, prayers, and love that they give us keep our lives healthy and provide motivation for us to continue with our daily goals and to see a beautiful future. We wanted our students to feel that kind of compassion and energy with the elders.”

The purpose of the event is in line with the college’s observation of the annual Family Day. Through her work, Jim says she works with student volunteers in planning and carrying out the event. Miss Diné College 2019 Mercede Johnson, a freshman public health major from Tsaile, partnered with the FYE program in organizing a coat drive for the elders. The participating seniors received gift baskets filled with items such as soap, lip balm, nail clippers, toothpaste and toothbrushes, cleaning wipes, and denture adhesive, cleanser, and holders. “It’s something that’s a good thing to do,” Johnson says. “I think the elders very much appreciated being around and talking with the students.”

The event’s speakers included community veteran David Tsosie, who transported a few area community veterans and performed the posting of the colors. Diné College Diné studies instructor Wilson Aronilth gave a prayer and song.

Litson, who is from Black Rock, Arizona, said she enjoyed the event and liked communicating with the students and fellow seniors. “I liked that I got a chance to talk to people who live near me, but I don’t get the chance to see them very often,” she says. Litson is a retired school librarian. “Overall, this was a good experience.”