It was late April, and Lydia Davis, 72, of Mt. Lebanon was trying to build a snowman. But it wasn't the spring-like weather hampering her efforts, it was her limited computer skills.

"I'm clicking and nothing is happening," she told her young instructor, Lydia Herman, 12, also of Mt. Lebanon.

The two were participating in a special computer class at Mellon Middle School in the Mt. Lebanon School District. The class, held in the school's computer room, paired five senior citizens with student council members for a one-hour computer training session in which the middle school students acted as private tutors.

The senior citizens picked areas of interest, ranging from basic mouse skills and setting up e-mail accounts to surfing the Internet.

The class was organized by Deanna Amenta, a business teacher. The Scott Township resident is an eight-year veteran of Mellon, where she is also the student council adviser. She said the class is an example of how that youth group strives to get involved with the community.

Ms. Amenta contacted the senior citizens program coordinator at Southminster Presbyterian Church, located adjacent to the school, and requested the program fliers be circulated there. The church then provided Ms. Amenta with a list of interested seniors.

Mrs. Davis and her husband, Bill, don't own a computer, but were eager to learn. While Mrs. Davis learned mouse skills with a game that requires "clicking and dragging" various parts of a snowman onto a scenic background, Kayleigh Ramaley, 14, worked with Mr. Davis at another computer.

Though Mr. Davis, 76, worked in computer operations for PNC Financial Services until his retirement in 1992, he never gained experience on a personal computer.

"My friends keep hassling me [to get a computer]. I'm the last hold-out," he said.

Kayleigh believes the class is valuable for the seniors. "They're very enthusiastic about learning. It's good for them because technology is so important.''

Mr. Davis agreed, noting government and industry are forcing seniors to adopt technology by putting more and more information online.

"Banks don't even send you your canceled checks anymore," he said.

He took the class to see whether he'd be interested in buying a computer. "I'm not on board a fast-moving train in that direction," he said. But he is interested in doing basic medical and travel research.

Mr. Davis said he was appreciative of the guidance he received from students.

"They've done a good job. I hope they're getting a lot of credit for this, because it's a lot of hard work," he said.

Kayleigh looked over Mr. Davis' shoulder as he entered his new e-mail address. "They're definitely learning quickly," she said.

Steve Helmeci, 12, was busy helping Florene Joyce, of Mt. Lebanon, design a "Happy Birthday" sign for her grandson. "If you type Cole, I'll help with the candles," he said.

Steve is a sixth-grade member of student council and signed on as a tutor, because "My dad donates blood, and it seemed like I did very little to help out in the community."

After the class, Ms. Amenta said, "They all left with a smile on their face."

All the seniors indicated they would like to come back for additional sessions, which Ms. Amenta has planned for next month. She encouraged seniors to tell their family and friends about the program and hopes to expand it next school year.

For more information, e-mail Ms. Amenta at damenta@mtlsd.net.