A unique program at Capital High School is getting students excited about school while at the same time enriching the community.

Erin Cleveland's English class has teamed up with Kelley Morand's Link Crew -- a school-based mentoring program where upperclassmen mentor incoming freshman -- to do monthly community service projects the students, organize, plan and execute.

"The kids plan it and do all the work, we just guide them," Cleveland said.

The group recently celebrated Thanksgiving early with residents of The Shelby House, a personal care home six miles east of Helena. After enjoying a complete dinner with all the traditional trimmings the students paired up with the residents. A group of students and residents made Christmas candies, while some built gingerbread houses and others played games like cribbage, bingo or pinochle.

The community service projects are inspiring Capital freshman Dan Brassard to come to school.

"You feel like you are dedicated to something, so you come to school more," he said.

Ninety-year-old Felecia Skinner was all smiles as she visited with the high schoolers about their interests, their grades and their future.

Skinner told the teenagers about her grandchildren. As a former teacher, she was at ease with the youthful energy.

"I've always liked children," Skinner said. "I can relate to them."

Shelby House resident Phyllis Weber agreed.

"It's wonderful," Weber said about spending time with the young people. "We've enjoyed them something terrible."

Link crew member Tyler Huseby said she felt comfortable being at the personal care home, saying it was just like being at his grandmother's house.

Shelby Cleveland, owner of The Shelby House, said it was wonderful for the residents to talk about their pasts because it seemed to fascinate the high school students.

It was interesting for the students to listen to stories from people who lived when there were horses and buggies.

"They get to do a lot of reminiscing and sharing," Shelby Cleveland said. "They can teach the younger people that there is something to celebrate every day. You have to live life and celebrate every day."

Skinner was already looking forward to the next visit as the students said their goodbyes.

"They give us such a lift," she said.

Erin Cleveland said many of her students were surprised at how easily they related to the residents and through the experience have become more enthusiastic about volunteering in general.

"It's especially meaningful when youth do volunteering work because there are so many stereotypes of teenagers -- that we are lazy, party animals and reckless," Link Crew member Lauren Fox said.

Last month, the group's service project was to work with the Helena Food Share. Food Share director Ann Waickman spoke to the class about hunger in Helena. The group toured the facility and then organized a food drive.

Next month they'll make ceramic bowls for the Friendship Center's Empty Bowls fundraiser.

Freshman Darian Fields said the experience has been one of the best throughout his schooling.

"You get to talk about ways to succeed and help your life," Fields said.

Student Nick Heitt said that not only has the class helped him get to know himself more, it is teaching him how to become a better person.

Reporter Alana Listoe: 447-4081 or alana.listoe@helenair.com