Nooksack Elementary Students Enjoy Handmade Hats Thanks to Generosity

Paraeducator Christy Benson ensures every student at Nooksack Elementary School has a warm, handmade hat each winter. Think of it as her tradition, one that students get to enjoy. 

Each year, Benson makes a hat for every kindergarten student in the school. She also makes a hat for any new student at Nooksack Elementary, delivering it into their classroom. This amounts to roughly 60 to 80 new hats every winter, says Katie Brown, principal.

Phi Nguyen, kindergarten teacher, calls the annual tradition a true testament to Christy’s character. “She has a kind heart, shows great consideration for our students and is incredibly generous with her time,” she says. “Through the gift of these handmade hats, Christy shares her warmth and care for each and every one of our kindergartners.” 

Benson makes the hats and then comes to the classroom to allow students to select their own. “She makes them feel special and it shows in their bright eyes, wide grins and excited squeals,” Nguyen says. “Christy is a well-loved and appreciated member of our kindergarten community. We are so grateful for her.”