There was a Graduation on Washington Island and as often happens, the whole Island turned out! While many parts would be found in graduations across the nation, I found one event at this Graduation unique.
For about 11 years now, the quilters at Trinity Church have created quilts specifically designed for each senior. The quilts were part of the Graduation held at the Community Center..
Elena and her quilt
Linda Henkel designed this quilt for Elena with a bit of "edginess" to fit Elena's personality and style.
Chris with his quilt.
He will be attending college in Shanghai in the Fall so the thought was that all of the shades of blue would remind him of the waters around the Island.
Hailey Jorgenson with her "Flying Geese" quilt.
Alex with his quilt (Ann Rose Photo)
Since his retirement from teaching, Jim Rose has been an active part of this group, designing and creating two of the boy's quilts this year. Jim along with Barb O'Connell and Linda Henkel.
explained the creative basis, student personality traits and other elements in the quilters' research that came together to produce the work presented to the seniors and community Friday evening.
Josh with his quilt (Ann Rose Photo)
Nancy Thiele brought the idea back to Trinity from a trip she and Al made in their days w/ Mission Builders. While at another church in Wisconsin, they saw a presentation of quilts that church had made for their graduates. The Trinity Quilter's vision tweeked that version to include all the seniors from the Washington Island School.
Kyra and her quilt
Aren't they beautiful?
Brett Mohn and his quilt (Ann Rose Photo)
So neat to see the way these quilts fit the individual students and to think of the comfort they will bring to them as they head off to their next adventure!
(Jim Rose Photo)
Congratulations to the class of 2017!
til next time!