T-shirt quilt displays artistic talents of summer enrichment program campers

Directors of the Aiken County School District's Gateway summer enrichment program have presented the Board of Education with a quilt commemorating Gateway's 25th anniversary.

Appearing at the board meeting were co-directors Joe Laorenza and Carla Kerrigan and former co-director Marcia Blizzard. They were joined by artist Jackie Hill, who designed and created the quilt.

"The quilts are made from Gateway T-shirts," said Laorenza. "This has been a wonderful program for our artistically gifted and talented students, started by art teachers Katharine Brooks and Merrilyn Smith. It has flourished over the years and this past year, we had over 200 students."

Almost every year, Gateway has provided a T-shirt. Students may submit their own designs, and a panel of judges selects the winner.

When Laorenza, the retired Aiken High band director, called Hill about the project, she was delighted to help out. Hill's children participated in Gateway and in Laorenza's band years ago.

"Joe gave me total freedom," said Hill. "The only thing he wanted was for the T-shirts to be in chronological order. I created a design so I could add more T-shirts as they come along."

Rosemary English, the acting School Board chair, said the quilt will hang in the lobby of the district office, where visitors will see it when they arrive.

"Thank you," English said. "The quilt is beautiful, and we appreciate all you do for the students."

Gateway provides a three-week camp each summer for kids in grades 3-12 with an interest in the visual arts, instrumental and vocal music and drama. Board member

Dr. John Bass noted that the program is state-funded and provide real opportunities for the students.

The quilt has connected panels, each with three T-shirts. Hill said she'll add panels every three years.

"I'm really proud we have the Gateway program," said Hill, "and I hope it will continue for another 25 years."

Contact Rob Novit at rnovit@aikenstandard.com.