Buswell’s horse story is one of many she’s sharing with Kim, who will write her biography after recording their visits. He asked her questions about her children, her careers and her hobbies, gathering as much information as he can.

The project was made possible through a Helena Education Foundation Great Ideas Grant awarded to Erika McMillin, Hawthorne social service coordinator. The $773 voices grant paid for transportation costs and digital recorders so the students could document their visits with the senior citizens. A few times a month 22 students meet with their matches to compile information and stories about their lives.

The biography writing grant is among Great Ideas Grants awarded twice a year to educators in Helena Public Schools. Last month 13 projects were awarded totaling $18,000, which included the inaugural award in honor of the Lewis Fund, established last summer to celebrate the work of HEF’s first executive director Cindy Lewis, who created the Great Ideas program.

Read about all of the grants in the Independent Record.