MIHS Students Join Wish of a Lifetime’s "Cupid Crew" to Spread Love to Island Seniors

Mercer Island, WA, February 24, 2025 – In a heartwarming act of kindness, Mercer Island High School students joined AARP’s Wish of a Lifetime Cupid Crew and Coordinating Council for Refugees (CCFR) to spread joy and love on Valentine’s Day. As part of the nationwide initiative, students delivered over 150 roses and Valentine’s cards to residents at Island House Assisted Living and Aljoya Mercer Island on February 14, reminding seniors that they are cared for and appreciated.

The Wish of a Lifetime Cupid Crew, a project sponsored by AARP, has been bringing Valentine’s Day cheer to older adults across the country for several years. This year, Mercer Island students Denis Batalov, Damon Liu, Dylan Gradek, Gavi Odievich, Oliver Lee, Leo Saloranta, and Sabrina Ennanova stepped up to participate, making meaningful connections with seniors in our community while bringing smiles and warm wishes. This is the first year MIHS students joined the AARP initiative.

"Small acts of kindness like this can have a profound impact on the lives of older adults," said junior Denis Batalov. "We’re thrilled that we can take part in such an inspiring project and share a little love with our local seniors."

Denis coordinated the deliveries with Island House and Aljoya Mercer island.

For ninth grader Sabrina Ennanova participating in this event holds personal significance.

“On this special day, I wanted to share sparks of joy and love. These roses are a symbol of that heartfelt wish, bringing happy smiles for seniors for days to come,” says Sabrina. Sabrina and her mom organized and sorted out all the roses received from AARP.

Junior Oliver Lee was leading volunteers during the deliveries. “I was surprised at just how positive of a reaction we got from the seniors. I know that many of them don’t get very many visitors, so watching their faces light up when they received the flowers was a priceless experience for me”, said Oliver.

The students delivered over 150 roses and Valentine’s cards, spreading cheer and fostering intergenerational connections at both senior living communities. Many of the older adults involved have limited opportunities for social interaction, and simple gestures like receiving a rose or a thoughtful note can brighten their day in unforgettable ways.

About Wish of a Lifetime
Wish of a Lifetime, sponsored by AARP, works to grant life-changing wishes for older adults while combating social isolation and loneliness. The Cupid Crew campaign is part of its broader mission to connect generations and spread joy through acts of kindness and engagement.

For more information about Wish of a Lifetime, visit: https://wishofalifetime.org/events/cupid