Former Wellington resident Joy Will knits caps for Washington Elementary students and staff
Stocking caps are the rage at Wellington Elementary thanks to former resident Joy Will. (Photos by Terrence Nichols)
by Amber Schmitz, Sumner Newscow — Joy Will, a former Wellington resident, likes to keep herself busy. She recently began knitting stocking caps and had a small stockpile of them before she knew it.
“I went to visit her and every time I went, she had more hats made,” said Vicki Shinliver, a close friend of Will’s. “I asked her what she was going to do with all the hats, and she asked if the students at my daughter-in-law Ann’s school (Washington Elementary) could use them, so I got a head count from her.”
Will wanted to do something for someone who would appreciate the 130+ hats. Due to her ties with Wellington, and Vicki and Ann Shinliver, principal, she chose students and staff at Washington Elementary to receive the gift. She also served on the USD 353 Board of Education in the past, and started Wee Too Preschool at the United Methodist Church.
Will has a passion for the education of children, and has taught pre-K, kindergarten and first grade overseas in Kuwait, Sudan, Pakistan, Mali and Nigeria, most students being children of diplomats who were overseas working. Will made sure that by the time she was done teaching them, they could speak fluent English.
“When she came back to the United States, she needed something to do, so she started knitting to keep herself busy,” Shinliver said.
When Will delivered the hats to the school, it was very important to her that each child was able to choose which hat they wanted.
“I went with her to deliver them, and all of the kids were extremely polite and well behaved,” Shinliver said. “They said thank you, and some even hugged her. The kids were so appreciative and so excited. She was really touched by this.”
With so many different colors and patterns to choose from, every student and staff member was pleased with their hat.
Currently, Will is in Africa visiting her daughter, who resides there.
“She is all about education and kids,” Shinliver said. “She said that all over the world kids are the same, it doesn’t matter what country they are from or what color they are, they are all the same.”
Will is continuing to make hats, and tries to knit at least two a day when she can, and even took her knitting with her on the plane.
“It was a great experience,” Shinliver said. “We had no idea how it was going to be received. The kids were all very respectful. She was pleased by the appreciation and respect of the students.”
