Last December, Lower School students at The Heritage School had the unique privilege of celebrating a milestone rarely seen—a 100th birthday. The honored guest was “Miss” Helen Storland, a beloved resident of Westhill Assisted Living in Newnan, Georgia, and a favorite participant in the school’s intergenerational reading program.
Born in 1924, Ms. Helen has experienced over a century of change yet remains an active and valued member of her community. Jessica Griffith, Resident Lifestyle Director at Westhill, shared, “Ms. Helen is an inspiration to everyone at Westhill. She’s a wonderful friend, passionate about teaching others the importance of reading, and always brings joy to every activity she attends.”
Ms. Helen’s connection with The Heritage School began in 2021 with the launch of the school’s “Grandbuddies” reading program. Created to foster intergenerational connections and provide first-grade students with a positive environment to practice reading, the program brings Heritage students to Westhill for regular visits. Ms. Helen quickly became a favorite of the students, always offering a warm smile and encouragement to young readers.
Over the years, Ms. Helen has read with more than 100 Heritage students, beginning with a group that is now in fourth grade. Cannon Forestall, a fourth grader who was a member of that initial class, fondly remembered his time with Ms. Helen: “I always read with Ms. Helen first because she made me feel smart.”
To honor her 100th birthday, Heritage students organized a special celebration at the school’s media center. They shared cake, a video of birthday messages, and meaningful gifts. Ms. Helen received a collage of photos featuring students she has mentored, which she described as “one of her greatest treasures.” She also loved the red Heritage sweatshirt she received—her favorite color—and promised to wear it during their next visit.
The celebration concluded with students personally wishing Ms. Helen a happy birthday and thanking her for her time and encouragement. First-grade teacher Becca Springfield noted, “The thing that I’d say about Ms. Helen is that she is an example of how the powers of love and joy are ageless. Even in her ‘retirement years,’ she’s continued to make kids feel smart and special, a superpower that we all need. We’re grateful for her pouring into our kids.”
Ms. Helen’s 100th birthday was a celebration of both her incredible life and the meaningful relationships she’s fostered, proving that connections across generations are enduring and invaluable.
