ELKHART – A high school home economics class in Elkhart has a new purpose for what they are learning.
Quilting is an art form not familiar among many kids but possibly their grandparents.
The class is dedicating its finished product to those wounded in service to their country.
This year’s students in Anita Gorden’s family consumer science class at Central High School are taking up a new bit of coursework. They’re learning about designing and making quilts in addition to what they are already learning about fashion design and sewing.
“They are actually learning how to do things on their own, be creative and actually have fun doing it,” said Gorden.
Several of the quilts made by the class will be used in a program known as “Quilts of Valor,” given to those in the military, wounded while in service.
“This is our first year for doing Quilts of Valor,” Gorden said. “For the kids, it’s important for them to learn to give back to the community, and I hope our quilts will be going to Elkhart county residents.”
Students taking part in the class say it’s a win-win on a number of different levels. Not only are they learning a new skills set but also showing patriotism and support for troops injured in the line of duty.
“It feels really good to know that this hard work that we are doing for the past couple of weeks is going to someone that deserves it, and it’s like kind of an honor to do that, to give something to someone who served our country,” said sophomore Katelynn Pittman.
“I definitely think that it’s a really good thing that we are giving back to the community, and it’s a really good opportunity to be able to do that,” added junior Michelle Mihojuvich.
“You want this to be really nice for the soldiers for what they had done for us,” junior Tatiana Williams said. “They have been through a lot and having to be away from their families and stuff, it’s been hard for them. So for this, to give this to them, this will be a big hug for them.”
Quilts of Valor is an international program.
It was started in Delaware by the mom of a quilter who made a quilt to honor her son in the military.