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A club launched by South Lakes High School junior Zahra is bringing students and older adults together through monthly afternoons of conversation, crafts and manicures.

Zahra opened the school’s GlamourGals chapter last year with her grandmother in Afghanistan in mind. Although they regularly connect online, they rarely see each other in person. Zahra said she finds comfort in imagining that someone might be taking the time to get to know her grandmother from thousands of miles away.

The nonprofit GlamourGals connects students with senior living residents. For Zahra, the appeal went well beyond nail polish.

“I just really like older people and talking with them, and I thought this could be a great opportunity to connect,” she said.

Interest at South Lakes quickly surged. Thirty students now regularly attend the club’s twice-monthly planning meetings, and Zahra said spaces for its monthly trips to Brightview Senior Living in Great Falls fill almost immediately.

During a two-hour December visit, students and residents built snow globes, filed and painted nails, exchanged advice and shared stories from their lives. Zahra organized the tables and supplies while club members divided their time between Brightview’s memory care wing and its general resident population.

The visits give residents companionship while helping students strengthen their communication, confidence and empathy. The club planned to review its December outing at its January meeting, identify possible improvements and prepare for the next visit.

Zahra hopes to expand the program to additional senior living facilities in 2026.

South Lakes Principal Carlos Seward said the students’ work demonstrates that community service is rooted in listening, caring and forming relationships across generations.

“Their compassion and leadership are making a meaningful difference in the lives of others,” Seward said.