Swannanoa’s Quilt Named “Best of Show!”



Students and staff at Swannanoa Valley Youth Development Center were beaming with pride when they learned that a student’s math and art project had been named “Best of Show” at the North Carolina Mountain State Fair.  A paper quilt designed by students at Swannanoa as a relaxing activity during end of grade and end of course testing was entered into the competition by staff at Swannanoa. “The quilt is a stunning representation of the creativity and pride of the students here at Swannanoa Valley Youth Development Center,” stated Dr. Mary Bonnett, the teacher who initiated the quilt project. 

The quilt was created by each of the 11 participating students designing a 12 inch square using graph paper which was assembled with other students’ designs to create a five foot by six foot quilt.  Dr. Bonnett explained that this project helped to teach students about the mathematical principle of symmetry and how to work together.  As students were working on the project, they had to collaborate with other students about how their designs would fit together.  School staff commented on the pride that the students felt by watching their design come together.

Dr. Bonnett who has being doing this project with students during end of grade and end of course testing for the last nine years stated, “This quilt is by far the best one I have ever had a group of students complete.” For this reason Dr. Bonnett decided to enter the quilt into competition at the fair where it won first place for a “Youth Group or Class Entry ages 14 to 19 - Hand Crafted Item,” and it won a “Best of Show” overall ribbon.