Ava Walpert, a senior at Walt Whitman High School, has shown extraordinary commitment and creativity since joining High Schoolers for Front Liners (HSFL). Her journey with us began on July 11, 2024, when she reached out via email to express her interest in contributing to our cause. From that moment, Ava dove headfirst into the world of fabric, thread, and heartfelt craftsmanship.
On July 12th, Ava took her first step by heading to G Street Fabrics, where she carefully selected flannels, cotton, fleece, thread, and stuffing. The very next day, she dedicated herself to learning the art of sewing by watching tutorials and practicing with test pillows and blankets. Her persistence paid off as she successfully submitted her first pillow and blanket on July 13th.
Over the following weeks, Ava’s skills and passion grew. She meticulously crafted 10 pillows, each one better than the last, learning new techniques like the loop stitch to add special accents. By the end of July, she had also completed several blankets, each made with the same dedication and care. Her hard work culminated in an impressive total of 10 pillows and 10 blankets, all of which were submitted to HSFL.
Ava’s reflection on her experience speaks volumes about her dedication: “I learned a lot through this process. I submitted my best blankets and pillows, even though I probably made more than double the amount submitted during the process. I was surprised at how much fabric, stuffing, thread, and TIME went into each project. I have an entirely new respect for ‘handmade.’ Thank you for this opportunity.”
Ava’s journey with HSFL is a testament to the impact one person can make with dedication, creativity, and a desire to serve others. We are incredibly proud to have her as part of our team and look forward to seeing the continued impact of her work.
Thank you so much Ava for your hard work! Your dedication is seen through your craftsmanship!
Written by Austin Moon
August 12, 2024