Born during the Great Depression with sun-kissed California looks, Robert Redford never failed to epitomize something quintessential and hopeful about the American character.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – Some local students are using their time off from school to help bring smiles to local seniors. Four students from Jefferson Forest High School gathered in the Elms of Lynchburg retirement home parking lot on Monday afternoon, carrying homemade signs in their hands and smiles on their faces. “It was so exciting.”Jefferson Forest senior Melanie Pratt credits her father for the idea. We have other things to think about, yes, because we are seniors but we’re also thinking about the other seniors," Rosado said. Judging by the smiles and waves from the seniors in the retirement home, the message seemed to have gotten across.