Walking into the classroom, you’re greeted with the quiet hum of sewing machines filtered with the occasional laughter as students carefully pay attention to the detailed task in front of them. The low-key environment is one of the draws of Ms. Linch’s sewing courses for students looking for an opportunity to express their individuality and creativity while learning an important trade. Speaking on her favorite part of the course so far this academic year, Evelyn shared her appreciation of the flexibility to meet the course requirements while developing projects on her own, “My favorite project so far is the pattern project. I made a Christmas gift for my mom, and it was really great to be able to make something for her. I enjoy being in this class and around the other kids who also enjoy CTE courses.”
Providing students with the knowledge and skills to construct, alter, and repair clothing and textile products is a primary component of the course while it also works to include customer service, fashion design principles, costume design, and business management. Haley, a sophomore at NC, sees the comprehensive approach to learning many skills as a valuable foundation for growing as a student and person, “I took this course because I really wanted to learn how to sew, I thought it would be useful to know for the future.”
While students look forward to the creative individuality of each project, their most impactful and important project was done in collaboration with their NCHS community with a primary interest in helping others. The upper-level sewing courses completed a service project to provide Angel Gowns for bereaved families in our community. “Students used materials from donated wedding dresses to make Angel Gowns for babies born sleeping. I donated my wedding dress, as did other NCHS staff, and community members also contacted us to generously offer their gowns.” shared Ms. Linch. “These Angel Gowns will be donated to the Wyoming Medical Center maternity ward.” Madison, a junior at NC, shared the impact the project had on her, “It was an important project because we got to give back to our community. It really gave us a purpose for sewing and motivated us to stay on task. It was really sweet seeing them come together. It wasn’t a project for us; it was for helping others.”
Natrona County High School is committed to preparing responsible and life-long learners who value themselves, contribute to society and succeed in a changing world.