Sean Barneson is an information technology (IT) whiz kid, and a coterie of senior residents at Aegis Living Mercer Island are glad to have him around for an hour on most Sundays.

From 4-5 p.m., the Mercer Island High School sophomore arrives with his younger sister for “Tech & Treats with Sean & Shannon,” an event that is prominently placed on the facility’s activity calendar and includes cookies for attendees.

Sean said that regulars are waiting for them to walk through the doors so they can receive help with their printers, punching in contacts on their phones, opening computer documents and more.

Retired judge Howard (Howie) L. Fink, 89, said it’s a godsend when Sean visits with him and lends a hand with word processing. Fink is a storyteller and wishes to write a book for his many anecdotes to reside.

“He’s an extraordinarily bright young man who’s always pleasant. He’s very knowledgeable of what he’s doing all the time. And he’s helpful. He’s somebody we rely on,” Fink said about Sean, 15. “I can’t speak highly enough about him.”

Sean’s dive into the IT realm began when he often answered his grandmother’s tech questions. Wanting to help more seniors with his knowledge, Sean emailed Aegis in August of 2023 to see if he could drop by and serve as an IT volunteer. They gave him the go-ahead and he’s brought Shannon, a 13-year-old Islander Middle School eighth-grader, along to help out and socialize with the residents.

“I definitely look forward to it each week,” Sean said. “It’s really rewarding when they ask a question and then you answer it. You can see how grateful they are right away and it really helps them out. And it’s also just great to get to know them and hear their stories.”

The duo’s parents, Colleen and Scott Barneson, also attend the gatherings and enjoy connecting with the Aegis residents and spending quality family time with their children. The valuable weekly meet-ups have made a positive impact on everyone involved, Colleen added.

“As a parent, I think what you want more than anything is to see your children helping other people,” she said. “It’s something where Sean can easily help people with something that can be really otherwise frustrating or intimidating. He just has a really good way about that. And so it’s just an absolute joy to see him helping people and bringing joy to their day.”

Larry Brazill, an Aegis life enrichment assistant, said that Sean possesses a gentle, quiet and friendly demeanor when he’s interacting with the seniors in the tech and personal spheres. It’s a touching experience for Brazill and it’s fun to see people young and old form vital bonds.

“He treats them like friends and with great respect as well. And they respond to him. You’ll see them start smiling with him, and he’s smiling with them,” Brazill said. “I think it’s that they’re (Sean and Shannon) getting a lot out of the experience as well.”

Along the way, Shannon has made an immense connection with resident Louise Mason, 93, who has shown her artwork to the youngster. Shannon was in awe of Mason’s talent, Brazill said.

Sean said he’s gained IT experience growing up around tech and he enjoys helping others “with simple issues that are simple to me, but seem intimidating and almost like magic to them.”

Ten or 15 years down the line, Sean can see himself working in the engineering field or in a career where he can continue helping others.

Sean Barneson helps Deanna Meine, 86, set up her laptop. Photo courtesy of Colleen Barneson

Sean Barneson and Louise Mason, 93. Photo courtesy of Colleen Barneson