Fall River Public Schools celebrates volunteer grandparent on her 90th birthday

Some say age is just a number. While that may be true, some should be celebrated, especially when a 90-year-old Fall River volunteer lives by that adage.

According to Fall River Public Schools, at the young age of 82, Kay Watson walked into the Frank M. Silvia Elementary School to be a volunteer grandparent. Eight years later, as she turned 90 years old this week, the first graders in Mrs. Aura Collum’s class made sure Kay’s milestone birthday was unforgettable!

This week, Silvia School’s students and staff honored Grandma Kay, arguably the most cherished individual in the building. She volunteers through the Citizens for Citizens Foster Grandparents program, assisting 6-year-olds with reading while also serving as a mentor and offering endless encouragement.

Grandma Kay’s commitment to her students is unparalleled—during remote learning, she joined Google Meet daily to read with them, providing comfort and consistency during challenging times.

Each morning, she arrives early, greeting both current and former students with warm smiles and kind words. Her passion for learning and genuine care for children have created a lasting impact at Silvia. “She has so many of us smiling before the school day even begins,” said Mrs. Collum.

More than just a volunteer and role model, Grandma Kay is a beloved part of the Silvia School family.