BRANDON SCHOOLS – On Wednesday, Feb. 26 the entire third grade of Belle Ann Elementary presented a handmade quilt to Mike and Beth Jordan.
The students made the quilt as a gift of appreciation to the Jordans for sponsoring their field trips throughout the year.
“It’s the classes’ way of thanking the Jordans for sponsoring field trips to the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Flint Hands on Museum, from a memorial fund set up in Emily Jordan’s name,” said teacher Renee Todd.”The kids wanted to give something to Emily’s parents as a thank you gift for all they’ve done.”
Emily Jordan was Todd’s student until she died in September 2002 after an accident at the family’s northern Michigan vacation home. Immediately after her death, her parents expressed their intent to help Brandon schools with special activities not included in the regular budget.
“Emily loved field trips and art, so Mr. and Mrs. Jordan chose to sponsor our field trips and several art projects,” Todd said. “We wanted it to be a gift they could use in many ways depending on how they feel.”
Each student started a square in January, working secretly with more than 20 parents who volunteered their time to provide assistance to complete the quilt.
“The kids really did a nice job,” said Todd. “They were really specific about what they wanted. and every square has a story.
“The whole thing becomes a story,” she said. “It’s something you could look at it forever.”
Along with the students’ work, several of Emily’s former teachers made squares to contribute to the quilt made with love, and Alicia Taylor, whose son was a classmate of Emily’s, donated her time to organize the squares and sewing the quilt together.
Taylor is the owner of Precise Embroidery and Tailoring in Brandon Township.