Local Students Bridge Generations Through Technology

July 24, 2026 - 05:56

A 102-year-old World War II veteran and District resident, Thompkins Hallman, is still finding ways to give back to his community. Last weekend, he received a custom-built laptop from students at SW Academy DC (SWADC), a project that combined technical skill with a heartfelt tribute to his decades of service.

The students presented the laptop to Hallman during a gathering on Friday, July... The device was not a store-bought model. Instead, the young people assembled it themselves, learning about hardware, software, and troubleshooting along the way. For Hallman, who has spent a lifetime serving others, the gesture was a powerful reminder that his legacy continues to inspire younger generations.

Community members joined the students at the event to celebrate the veteran's ongoing commitment to service. The project aimed to bridge the gap between generations, showing how technology can connect people across vastly different life experiences. For the students, it was a chance to apply their classroom knowledge to a real-world act of kindness. For Hallman, it was proof that the values he fought for are still alive in the youth of today.