Wasco fifth-graders knit for a cause

CAMPTON HILLS – Eleven-year-old Danny Sheen's initial reaction to a classroom knitting project was one of skepticism.

He and other boys in Aaron Clark’s fifth-grade class thought the skill was more for girls, he said.

Their doubts, however, quickly wore off as retired educator Janet Hornbostel taught the Wasco Elementary School class how to knit skeins of yarn into hats. Knitting has become his top preferred downtime activity, Danny said, saying it's difficult to stop once he starts, just like Pokémon.

And after enough practice, 11-year-old Eric Lasare said, he “can do it without even looking.”

Together, the 21 St. Charles School District 303 students have knitted enough hats to fill a standard plastic shopping bag to capacity.

Their creations – which were made possible through a $300 St. Charles Youth Commission grant – will be donated to LivingWell Cancer Resource Center in Geneva and Mutual Ground in Aurora, Hornbostel said.

Camilla Gostynski, 11, said she feels lucky to have this fun opportunity to help others. Her classmates seemed to agree.

“Who knew it was so fun and effective to give back to the community?” said Abby Girman, 11.

Noting the activity is always tied to learning – it uses math and helps students’ focus and concentration – Clark said her students have an opportunity to knit daily and often will pick up their needles and yarn as she reads to them.

“They beg to knit,” Clark said.

Wednesday, some students worked on their projects at their desk while those needing assistance went into the hallway, where they gathered around Hornbostel.

“Look at all those increases,” Hornbostel said to Nic Travilla, 11. “Not to worry, though.”

Nic, who is still working on his first hat, said mistakes can lead to holes, and stitches sometimes must be undone.

“It gets a little bit complicated,” he said, but noted he still enjoys the hobby. “Me and my friends watch YouTube while we’re knitting.”

Lilly Verhage, 11, said the complications increase as the hats get closer to completion.

She’s nearing that point after messing up about three times on her first hat, she said, explaining she soon will have to use different needles.

Meanwhile, her classmate Nora Maloney, who learned to knit from her grandma years ago, was on her third hat. The 11-year-old said she has helped her peers with their knitting struggles.

“It’s fun getting to help them,” she said.