Seniors Serving Seniors

Last night, the culmination of our seniors' time at Cornerstone came to a close as they presented their capstone project. During The Senior Legacy Project, students consider their God-given gifts, talents, interests, and passions as they explore a final in-depth service project. It is not just about fulfilling a community service hours requirement but thinking deeply about making an ongoing difference in the lives of others with a biblical worldview perspective. 

This year’s Senior Legacy Projects introduced exciting new changes, allowing students to not only complete their projects on campus, but also to collaborate with a partner! Our senior class selected from a variety of impactful projects, such as distributing blessing bags for the homeless, building a Little Free Library, leading Bible studies for high school guys, and organizing a pickleball tournament to raise awareness for ALS, just to name a few. Click here to learn more about all of the projects.

Today, we’re sharing just a few of this year’s projects, all connected by a common theme. You’ll be amazed at what these young adults accomplished and how their efforts will continue to impact generations. 

Seniors Serving Seniors: Cornerstone's Legacy of Service

This year, four of our seniors exemplified the power of honoring, serving, and learning from older generations. Through storytelling, offering comfort, and leading worship, they bridged generational gaps and embodied Christ's love in truly remarkable ways. 

A Legacy of Wisdom: Chandler Foust’s Interviews with Senior Citizens

Chandler Foust took a creative approach to his Senior Legacy Project by capturing the wisdom and life experiences of senior citizens. He conducted 12 interviews, sitting down with individuals who had lived through historic moments and personal challenges.

“I absolutely loved my project where I interviewed senior citizens and let them give their wisdom and life advice to the next generations,” Chandler shared.

Among his interviewees was a veteran who had served in World War II, Vietnam, and Korea, a nurse with 22 years of experience who worked as head nurse in a jail, and even the last American to leave Vietnam. Each story provided profound insight into life, perseverance, and faith. Chandler’s project not only preserved their stories but also gave younger generations the opportunity to learn from them. As a special touch, Chandler recorded the interviews and gifted them to the families as a forever keepsake.

Comfort and Connection: Jackson Keating’s Memory Care Outreach

For Jackson Keating, the inspiration for his project was deeply personal. Having watched his great-grandmother suffer from Alzheimer’s and recently learning of his grandmother’s diagnosis, he felt called to bring comfort to memory care patients.

Through research, Jackson discovered that certain items—baby dolls, heated stuffed dogs, and fidget blankets—can provide emotional comfort and improve the quality of life for Alzheimer’s patients. He launched a donation drive, collecting 30 comfort items—more than the number of residents in memory care at Celebration Village Assisted Living in Acworth.

With the help of Marsha Epperly, the center’s activities director, Jackson distributed the items and spent time connecting with the residents.

“The patients were most excited and happy to make a connection with someone,” Jackson reflected. Throughout his project, Jackson found himself returning to Acts 20:35:

“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Through his efforts, Jackson not only brought tangible comfort but also reminded each resident that they were seen, valued, and loved.

Worship Through Music: Anna Kim and Gabriella Grimes’ Ministry

This year, students were allowed to partner on their Senior Legacy Projects, which led to a beautiful collaboration between Anna Kim and Gabriella Grimes. Both with strong musical backgrounds—Anna in piano and Gabriella in vocal performance—they chose to bring worship to Legacy Ridge Nursing Home in Kennesaw. Why music you ask? Research shows that music triggers memories, emotions, and a sense of belonging.

Their project focused on evangelism and encouragement. They led two worship services—one during Christmastime, featuring carols and Scripture readings, and another in January, with a mix of contemporary worship songs and hymns.

Beyond the music ministry, Anna and Gabriella engaged with the residents through weekly Bingo games and assisted with Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations. Their presence brought joy, fellowship, and the light of Christ into the nursing home.

A Legacy That Lasts

These Senior Legacy Projects highlight what makes the program at Cornerstone so special—it is not just about fulfilling a requirement, but about leaving a lasting impact. As they move forward beyond high school, the class of 2025 will carry with them the lessons learned from those they served—reminders of resilience, faith, and the joy of giving.

The Senior Legacy Project

At Cornerstone, the Senior Legacy Project is more than a requirement—it’s a mission. More than just fulfilling a community service requirement, this capstone project is a deep, intentional effort to create a lasting difference. Each senior selects a social impact cause, conducts research, engages in hands-on service, and presents their findings and experiences through a written reflection and an adjudicated oral presentation.

It’s a powerful opportunity to live out their faith, putting love into action in ways that change both the lives of those they serve and their own perspectives on what it means to lead and give. Click here to learn more.