Tori Heyworth with Morning Pointe resident Ann Horrell
All Grace Baptist Academy students are encouraged to make a difference in the lives of those around them through involvement with the greater community. Before graduating, seniors are required to complete a Senior Project that focuses on putting into practice all of the skills and knowledge developed over the years. This project also helps students gain a sense of direction and focus for the future, while also providing an opportunity to take responsibility and claim ownership of a great accomplishment.
With a required minimum of 30 hours of outside work, students are allowed to choose a project based on personal interest, whether it’s a Teaching Project, Vocational Project or Performance Project. Some students like senior Tori Heyworth choose to do a Community Project, which is how she came to know and love the residents of The Lantern at Morning Pointe Alzheimer’s Center of Excellence in Chattanooga.
For her senior project, Tori is organizing a fundraiser to raise money to purchase iPods, music downloads and headphones for seniors at the memory care community. The fundraiser will include performances covering multiple decades and genres performed by friends Tori has met through school, church and theatre.
“My goal is to get much of the event donated so a majority of the ticket sales can go towards purchasing the equipment that will benefit those living with Alzheimer’s,” Tori said.
In addition to the fundraiser, she has also been volunteering at The Lantern every week.
“We are so fortunate for students like Tori,” said Executive Director Janie Sheets. “Not only does this fundraiser have a powerful impact on our Morning Pointe residents, it also helps inform the greater community on the importance of music, especially for seniors battling Alzheimer’s. We are so honored that Tori chose to do her Music Stays Alzheimer’s Fundraiser for Morning Pointe and have enjoyed having her spend time with us at the memory care community.”
Tori’s senior project combines her passion for both music and seniors and she has been creating lasting friendships while getting to know residents during her time spent at Morning Pointe.
“I have fallen in love with the residents,” Tori said.
Purchasing iPods for Morning Pointe residents will help to provide more individualized daily music therapy for the seniors, while also giving them the ability to download and listen to their favorite songs and explore the large variety of music that is available today.
“I have learned that music is one of the last memories to leave a person with Alzheimer’s and music therapy can play an important role and have a positive impact on not only the resident, but the resident’s family and caregivers,” Tori said.
Her fundraising event at Morning Pointe is called Music Stays and will take place Oct. 3 at 7 p.m. at the Hullander Barn in Apison, Tn.