Steele honored with Quilt of Valor

By Lisa Fischer

GREELEY -- Central Valley High School (CVHS) Seniors Abby Cuizon and Shelby Behnk’s Quilt of Valor went to the most courageous person they know, Bill Steele.

On Nov. 28, Cuizon and Behnk presented Steele with the quilt they spent the fall semester crafting in Textiles class. The full-sized quilt was sewn using a block pattern highlighting the U.S. Marines because Steele status as a Marine veteran. The inspiration behind the quilt’s creation came from the Quilts of Valor (QOV) Foundation that has a mission of covering all combat service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing quilts. Central Valley FCCLA is a registered QOV chapter.

“When we came to visit, he was doing well,” Behnk said. “I think we lifted his spirits.” Cuizon and Behnk said Steele’s leadership, including as their class’s sponsor, led many

to make better life choices. Both said it did not matter whether it was inside the classroom, in the weight room or on the track, Mr. Steele was a benefit to them and their classmates. They noted how inspirational his demeanor was then and now while he deals with an illness that keeps him home.

“We made the quilt for him because he made such a positive impact on both of our lives,” Cuizon said.

Since its founding, Quilts of Valor has awarded more than 95,000 quilts to veterans of military actions, conflicts and wars. Each quilt is formed by loving hands joining bits of fabric together one piece at a time and end up being a “quality” hug for the friends and family receiving them.

“On behalf of Central Valley FCCLA,” said Kathleen Kennedy CVHS Instructor. “Thank you for your dedicated years of coaching and teaching.”

Picture by Kathleen Kennedy: Back. Madison Cockerill and Abby Cuizon,

Front Shelby Behnk