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Different Spin On Senior Portraits Bring Generations Together

GOLDEN, Colo. (CBS4) – Students at Golden High School revealed portraits they painted of seniors at the Golden Pond Retirement Community on Thursday. It's all part of an art class project creating a special bond with the residents.

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"I really got to put a story to the face I was painting," said Mackenna Overholt, a senior at Golden High School. "I really paid a lot of attention to detail."

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Mackenna Overholt (credit: CBS)

Overholt was paired with Sally Cremer, a resident at the retirement home who also likes to paint herself. She decided to create a portrait of Overholt while the student worked on her assignment. Students met with the residents months before to interview them and learn more about their subject.

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"I think it's amazing, I thought it was a photograph," Cremer said. "I could have done a little plastic surgery on it myself here and there."

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Sally Cremer (credit: CBS)
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They both love art and say there is a special feeling you get by creating it and sharing it.

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"I really love the way it will make other people and the emotion one can get from looking at the piece," Overholt said.

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Beyond the art, they also shared stories and gained a new appreciation for each other. The student seeking wisdom from the senior and the resident seeing an optimistic outlook for the next generation.

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"There would be no problems if everyone was like she is," Cremer said.

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"She wanted to die when there is no more fun and that she wanted to keep living for the fun," she added.

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