School and Community Summer 2023

gave me so much and gave me my career path of where I am today,” Yager said. She enjoys bringing fabric and patterns to school for the students to create quilts and shop samples. In the future, the Homestead Hearth hopes to offer internships for Mexico High School students as well. “This is really exciting because then students will have something to add to their resumes,” Gooch said. “It’s a dying skill because not many people are knowledgeable about sewing. I know that our youth are in front of their computers and phones quite a bit, so it’s important that they can use the creative part of their brain and create something that is all theirs.” Passionate students have also created projects outside of school. Brooklyn, a sophomore in the Fashion, Textiles and Design program, has fully embraced the skills she’s acquired in Gooch’s class. “I enrolled in the class because my grandma used to show me how to sew, but she passed away,” Brooklyn explained. “When I found out that Mexico High School had the class, I made sure it was part of my schedule which I planned out two years ago. And so far, I’m still on the same path. I love sewing, I do it all the time.” Brooklyn has made more than eight quilts out of various fabrics and old t-shirts. She enjoys the creativity and challenges that go into each project. “Some of the other girls and I have done a bunch of zipper patches and keychains and stuff,” she said. “Sewing is kind of like a puzzle to figure out how things work best. There are a lot of working parts. I have enrolled in two quilt shows, which is where people can walk around, touch, look at them and judge the quilts. Sometimes I’ll get a ribbon, depending on what placement I got.” Other students have demonstrated their knowledge at home, often sewing items for family members. Jeremiah, a freshman in the program, has used his skills to help his

family with tasks at home and is proud to show them his creations. The program has also has a unique effect on intergenerational relationships. “A huge, huge thing that I have seen with young people that take this class is now they have something to talk with their grandparents about,” Gooch said. “We’re bringing generations together through a craft. I’ve heard that story over and over. Now, instead of going to visit grandma and just sitting and watching TV, they have something to talk about.” Another student, a sophomore named Lucas, has found similar inspiration in the program. “I took this class because my grandma owned a embroidery shop in Columbia,” he said. “I’ve always been fascinated by sewing and how many things can be done in such a short amount of time with a set of equipment. I mainly work on the large embroidery machine and I’ve been able to do a lot of cool things, like put my initials on a few jackets.” This hands-on experience has helped develop skills that he otherwise wouldn’t have been able to devote time to learning. “It’s a great class,” Lucas said. “It’s really nice to be able to have something to look forward to during the school day.” Gooch is proud of the program she’s built and looks forward to seeing it grow further. When asked about advice for other teachers who would like to fundraise and advocate for their programs, she said, “Showcase your students’ enthusiasm and share your vision! People want to be a part of something bigger than themselves that helps to promote our young people’s accomplishments.” In Gooch’s words, sewing is a metaphor for the rest of life. “Things aren’t always going to work the way you planned and might not fit your pattern,” she said. “You’ve got to figure out how to stitch it up, take a deep breath and move on.”

Counter clockwise from top; Jeremiah, Brooklyn, Lucas and Brock

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