Cocopah sixth, seventh graders make quilts for wounded soldiers

Fifty-six sixth and seventh graders in Ellen Ridge’s Humanities/Language Arts and Social Studies classes at Cocopah Middle School made 55 quilts for wounded soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq, which will be presented to a military representative at 5:30 p.m., on Tuesday, April 26, in the cafeteria at Cocopah Middle School, 6615 E. Cholla St., Scottsdale.

“Catherine Roberts, who founded Quilts of Valor, was so surprised to hear about all the quilts made by Cocopah students that she does not have a home for all of the quilts, but assures us that she will by the time they arrive in Washington, D.C.,” said Ms. Ridge.

Quilts of Valor gave Ridges’ students a sense of accomplishment, and pride at giving to others, especially soldiers who give their lives in the name of freedom around the world. It took the students a week to make the quilts.

“This project came about because I am a quilter and share my quilts with the class. We had read a book about slaves, and the signs used when they would run away in the Underground Railroad. One of the signs used were quilts. The students wanted to make quilts to go with the book. As the process evolved, I found the Web site http://www.quiltsforsoldiers.com, and presented the information to the class. With parent support, we contacted the APT for funding, and began collecting fabric donations. I also contacted the Arizona Longarm Quilters for help with the project. The week of Feb. 28, quilters and parents showed up at school to cut fabric and package individual quilt kits for the students. The students came in during their regular class time with me to sew their kits. Many Longarm Quilters and other quilters around the Valley along with parents helped with the sewing. As the quilts were completed, the Longarm Quilters picked them up, and took them home to quilt on their longarm quilting machines,” said Ridge.

Roberts began Quilts of Valor in November 2003. Roberts’ son is in the military, and she wanted to do something worthwhile for those who have served our country. When Roberts saw the statistics that for every casualty there are 10 wounded, she decided this would be the best place to put her efforts. Roberts decided to give hand-made lap quilts to the wounded soldiers. These Quilts of Valor provide comfort, love, healing, and pay tribute to combat-wounded soldiers.

Editor’s Note: Invitations went out to the following people who will attend or send a representative from their perspective offices in support of the students at Cocopah and our service men and women. They are: Governor Janet Napolitano, City of Scottsdale Mayor Mary Manross, Scottsdale Unified School District Superintendent Dr. John M. Baracy, Cocopah Middle School Principal Dr. Tere Peterson and Katy Cavanagh, executive director for Middle Schools & Excelling Teaching & Learning.

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