Then earlier this year, in preparation for the next phase of the project, on-camera interviews, each student in the group was assigned a job such as interviewer, videographer, still photographer, hospitality coordinator or illustrator.

Several professionals in town, including Ron Kuba, Beth Drainville and Carlene Kuba, provided training for the students in video recording, illustration and photography.

Fourth-grader Elana Brunell, who was one of three students to interview Richard Prescott, said she prepared for the experience by practicing at home with her family.

Her classmates, and fellow interviewers, Joshua Magnotta and Skyla Tefft got ready by practicing their questions with their classmates.

All three admitted a little nervous – but not too much – to be sitting up on stage under the bright lights with cameras rolling.

But everyone involved, especially their interviewee, Richard Prescott, agreed that they did a beautiful job.

“The students sent me their questions ahead of time so I could prepare,” Prescott explained. “I think they all did a really nice job.”

 Hands-on Learning

“This is a great hands-on experience for these students,” Walker adds. “They’re learning how to interact with and learn from seniors, they’re learning basic professional skills from people right here in town, and they’re creating a primary source of historical information. It is all great foundation work for future learning.”

The end result of this innovative project will be a DVD and booklet, which will become part of the permanent collection at Langworthy Library and at each of the town’s elementary schools.

Public viewings of the interviews will be scheduled later this spring. For further information contact Michelle Walker at 539-8236..