10/12/2026
Bridging Generations: WMS Students and Woodland Senior Enrichment Group Build a Powerful Community Partnership
Community is built on connection, and in Woodland, that bond grows stronger every week—one table and chair at a time.
What began as a simple neighborly effort has blossomed into a meaningful partnership between Woodland Middle School and the Woodland Senior Enrichment Group. Each Wednesday morning, a rotating WMS staff member—Nick Davies, Megan Orr, or Tia Pitner—walks across the street to the community center with a small team of two to three students to help prepare the space for the senior group’s weekly gathering. On Friday afternoons, a new group of students returns to stack tables, fold chairs, and tidy up the space.
For WMS staff, these weekly trips offer a unique opportunity to support students in different ways. Whether providing a refreshing movement break during the day, recognizing positive behavior, or redirecting energy into meaningful hands-on service, the routine gives students a tangible way to take pride in contributing to their community.
Organized by Jim Bays, the Woodland Senior Enrichment Group provides a vital hub for local seniors, hosting game days, social activities, educational classes, a weekly walking club, and supportive circles for widows and widowers.
On Wednesday, October 7th, that intergenerational bond was celebrated in a big way. The United Way of Cowlitz and Wahkiakum County visited the community center to present the Woodland Senior Enrichment Group with a $5,000 grant to support their programs. Wanting to share the spotlight, Jim and the senior group invited WMS to join the presentation so they could publicly thank the students for their hard work. Five WMS leadership students—Jacksen Manalili, Cole Barragan, Makayla Seevers, Hazel Andrews, and Isabella Donald—proudly represented the entire student body at the ceremony. When asked about the students helping, Jim Bays said, “This was a serious need for our group because of the physical demands of setting up and tearing down that our people just couldn’t do. Our ladies love the kids helping, and their cheerful demeanor, promptness, and politeness have been noticed & mentioned often. Principal Nick Davies is also a joy to work with.”
Our Woodland Middle School students continue to demonstrate responsibility, leadership, and heart. They truly are awesome!