photo by Hannah Reel

Natchez Senior Center employee Jacarri Washington, 19, of Natchez sweeps the floor in the Adult Day Care room at the center. Washington completed a summer internship at the center and performed so well, that he was offered a part-time job.

Teen is newest member at senior center

By Hannah Reel (Contact) | The Natchez Democrat

Published Tuesday, August 11, 2009

The Natchez Senior Center has recently accepted a new person, under the age of 55, into the facility.

Jacarri Washington, 19, of Natchez is now the youngest person who attends the facility on a daily basis, but Washington comes to help, not to be helped.

As of July 31, Washington had completed a two-month summer internship at the center, and he performed so well that the center offered him a part-time job.

“He has been a great help,” program coordinator Carla Monroe said. “When he finishes one task he’s ready for another. He’s a focused individual, we can’t pass him up.”

Even though Washington has a part-time job working weekends as a bus boy at Monmouth, he gladly accepted the second job working five mornings a week at the senior center.

“I like working with seniors and helping out,” Washington said.

Washington is the go-to man at the center. Anything the management needs done including cleaning buses, decorating, assisting with field trips, minor maintenance and more, he is there to complete the task.

One of his favorite things to do he said, is make the banners that advertise different events at the center.

“He is very talented. I hope he keeps doing what he’s doing and goes higher,” Adult Day Care activity coordinator Peggy Scales said.

Washington plans to attend school at Copiah-Lincoln Community College, and ultimately receive his bachelor of science degree in graphic design.