Retired teachers deliver early Christmas to AD
Thu, 2015-12-24 05:00
News Staff
By DAVID MORRIS
The Copperas Cove Retired Teachers Association paid a visit to the Athletic Annex of Copperas Cove High School, presenting Jack Welch with an early Christmas gift Friday morning. With most of the district staff off for the holiday break, Welch was watching old highlights from his career when John and Bonita Gallen stopped in for a visit.
Presenting him with handcrafted ornaments depicting Charles Tillman, Robert Griffin III and Josh Boyce in their NFL uniforms, the Clarks shared the story of how the ornaments were made.
Originally donated to the Copperas Cove Retired Teaches Association as an auction item for the annual fundraiser, the set of four ornaments helped raise more than $1,900 that will help fund next year’s scholarships and help provide books to each of the kindergarten schools in the district.
“I was working on some Peyton Manning ornaments for my family and John asked if I would make something for the fundraiser,” said Bonita. “I paid close attention to the details of each player to make the ornaments as accurate as possible,” said Bonita. “I would spend a few hours each night working on the beadwork and each one took about eight hours to complete. The staff at Nedlewerkes would give me input on what colors of beads to use to help with the uniforms. I had no idea there were so many combinations of uniforms that were worn.”
Working off photos, she custom designed the ornaments in detail down to Josh Boyce’s Superbowl ring, matched the blue with Tillman’s Carolina Panthers uniform and shading of Griffin in his Redskins helmet.
“You can make a million dollars off these. You ought to trademark it, license it to the NFL and let them sell them as Christmas ornaments for fans.” Welch told her. “Bonita making this out of the kindness of her heart makes this truly a priceless gift and more special. I am pleased, honored. These are going on my mantel and not on a Christmas tree.”
Another set of ornaments up for auction during the fundraiser depicted Robert Griffin III in each of his uniforms, Copperas Cove, Baylor and Redskins. Dick Parker, a former Superintendent of Schools for CCISD purchased the trio in the auction.
“I was thrilled, I didn’t anticipate him reacting the way he did, he was really excited and I’ve never had anyone that excited over something I have made before,” she said “I am glad I made them and they have found a good home and that he appreciates the time and hard work I put into them.”
The retired teachers will next meet on February 4, 2016 in the boardroom of the CCISD administration building.