High school courses can cover an array of material and skills that go beyond the state’s standards. Central boasts many of these classes, and one such is Introduction to Human Studies. Mrs. Doris Coulter, the teacher of this course, has been implementing sewing into her curriculum for the past 25 years.

“This skill is important to the students because they can use it [in the] future,” explained Coulter. “It is also has economical uses that will help save money.”

So what are the positive outcomes of this project? Coulter stated that these children will learn teamwork skills and how to use supplies carefully and safely. They will also have a feeling of self-accomplishment and self-pride for completing such a project and knowing that they made it happen.

“‘I’m expecting a positive impact to come out of this project,” stated Coulter. “I still have previous students I had back in the 1990s [who] say they still have the sewing projects they made in my class and that sewing has helped them many times throughout the years.”

Zaria Spencer, a previous student of Coulter’s, gave her input on what she thought about the project.

“I think that students will find it very occupying – I even spent a make-up day [doing] an extra project for myself,” said Spencer. “The project was very useful, and now I can sew something myself rather than having to pay someone else to do it for me.”

Spencer added that she learned the basics of sewing along with how important it is to listen to details described.

These skills are empowering students to accomplish a task as well as giving them something relaxing to do in their free time.