Every year, our Kindergarten class creates a class quilt by decorating squares. A parent or grandparent volunteer helps to sew the quilt together before the end of the school year. The quilt then travels through each classroom as the Kindergarten students progress through each grade level, up to 8th grade.
At the end of their 8th-grade year, the students have the opportunity to write an essay about what their time at St. Joseph School has meant to them. One student is selected to receive the class quilt based on their essay.
This year, Ms. Emme Larson was chosen to receive the class quilt. Congratulations, Emme!
Kindergarten Quilt
Written by Emme Larson (8th grade)
The kindergarten quilt has a special place in my heart that I am not exactly sure what else could fill. It was just another week in kindergarten, but this one was different, it was time to talk about the quilt that would travel with us throughout our time at St. Joseph School. What could we possibly be doing with the blank sheets of fabric? Soon we would find out, being transformed into much more than a white piece of fabric. They would tell a story, not just memories. Every piece added to the quilt tells a different story, these stories are personal to each of my peers, which makes this quilt so special. The feeling that I get when I think about this quilt is indescribable, it’s real, it means my time is done at St. Joseph School.
Mrs. Couture came into the classroom and I could not contain my excitement. I wanted to go home and show my mom, so we could begin working on it right away. That same excitement is what I feel in this moment, which I didn’t realize at the time, but now I can realize that it was so much more than just excitement, it was love and eagerness to begin our journey through St. Joseph School. I did not realize it at this moment, and I may take it for granted, but this school, these classmates, the teachers, and all the staff are more than just people that God placed in my life. These people have had a genuine impact on me, which is more than many can say they have experienced in their middle school journey. I have realized that they are my family during this time at St. Joseph’s. Not only my family, but my best friends that I have spent every day with from Pre-K all the way to eighth grade.
The quilt that hangs in Mrs. Nielsen’s classroom reminds me of how much we, as a family, have been through and how much we can overcome. I do not know how else I can put into words the love and encouragement that I have received from every single one of my classmates. From the jokes that we make in Mrs. Nielsen’s room and the unaccomplished work in Mrs. Hyllested’s room. The Uno games on the carpet of Mrs. Grabowski’s class and the countless dress up days all throughout elementary school. One of the many very important things that will have an impact on me for the rest of my life, is the relationship that I have built with God, myself, and my classmates as well. God has shown me how he places so many people in my life with the intention that they will be there to help me.
Leah helps show me patience, while Kaia shows me the kindness that I strive to have. Weston shows me the joy that brings a smile to everyone’s face. Mikayla shows me the courage to never be afraid to be yourself. Leah J. shows me the sympathy that should always be shown to others. JJ shows me the diligence that is needed to accomplish things. Gavin shows me the root of what a good friend looks like. Leighton shows me the trust that everyone should always feel. Jacob shows me the assertiveness that I hope to have one day. Isla shows me the reliability that she gives to others who need it.
I am still not sure if I realize how much of a privilege this is, to have all of these people, who only want the best for me and for each other. These are people who I can be myself around without ever feeling judged. Even though there may be bumps in the road, I know that throughout the rest of my life I have all of these people who love me, which I love too. All of these things are not just words, they are the virtues that they have shown me throughout the past eleven years of attending St. Joseph School.
Although my journey here is done, I will never forget, or take for granted, the experiences that I have been blessed with. Through the ups and the downs, the highs and the lows, this school and these people will always have a very special place in my heart. With this quilt I will never forget the love that was shown to me and shaped me into the person that I am today.
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