The Highland Lakes Quilt Guild awarded 4 scholarships to adult women working to grow in their professions. The recipients all live and work in the Highland Lakes area of Burnet and Llano Counties, and plan to remain in the area when they complete their studies. They all work full time jobs while continuing their studies.
The Highland Lakes Quilt Guild is honored to give scholarships to these four women. From Left to right: Amber Strawn, Madison Lawrence, Willie Matthews, and Kristina Gratehouse
Amber Strawn Amber is a Case Worker at the Highland Lakes Crisis Center. She has worked at the Crisis Center since 2021, and before that as the manager of Good Neighbor Thrift Store. Amber is “passionate about helping survivors of domestic violence.” She is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s in Theology at Liberty University. Her degree will enable her to help those who feel unwanted, unloved or disposable by sharing her knowledge, her faith and the love she has found in Christ.
Madison Lawrence Madison is a Special Education Teacher at the Marble Falls Middle School. As an inclusion teacher she works with a diverse group of students with varying academic and behavioral needs. She is currently also attending Texas State University where she is pursuing her Masters in Educational Leadership and a Principal’s Certification. Her goal is to become a principal within the district and be able to give back to this community she loves, by creating a safe, inclusive and loving space for our students to learn and grow.
Willie Matthews Willie is in the I-Teach program, she already has degrees in Criminal Justice and Theology and now she is on the fast track to getting her teaching degree. Currently, Willie is as a para-professional working with children who have special needs at Spicewood Elementary, her aim is to become a Certified Special Ed teacher, because she has a passion for helping others with disabilities. And, she believes that education can be achieved by all despite any handicaps they may have.
Kristi Gratehouse Kristi is currently working on her Principal Certification at the Region 13 Principal Certification Network, while working full time as a coach of new teachers and now as an Assistant Principal of the Marble Falls Middle School this year. With over nine years of dedicated service to the Marble Falls school community she has made a lasting impact on the students and teachers. And, with her Certification she will become the kind of leader who can make a difference in the lives of the students and teachers within our community.
Habitat for Humanity Habitat for Humanity is a worldwide program to assist needy folks to have a home in which they have participated in the construction of the house. One family per year is helped to have a home in the Guild area. Guild members make quilts for each family member; the quilts are presented to the families as they move into their completed homes.
Bee of Service The "Bee of Service" was formed in 2024. The group supports community organizations such as but not limited to schools, nursing homes and police departments. We provide a variety of quilts and other sewn items where needed.
Breast Cancer Patient Support Since 2008, we have provided Anti-ouch Pouches to the Breast Cancer Resource Center of Texas, a patient support organization for women with breast cancer. Anti-ouch pouches are wedge shaped pillows with a shoulder strap, used to provide comfort after breast surgery. Kits are available at each Guild meeting. We also make Kangaroo Pouches which are used to hold drainage bulbs following surgery.
Learning with Quilts In 2014, we launched a program to introduce the quilting arts to elementary school children as part of our education mission. Books that incorporate quilts in their story, along with a replica of the quilt are provided to local school libraries.
Burnet County Area Fair The Fair is a 50+ year tradition in Burnet County. It is open to residents of the Counties of Burnet, Bell, Blanco, Lampasas, San Saba, Travis and Williamson for participation. The Highland Lakes Quilt Guild has provided the backbone of support to the Quilt Division through the use of our quilt stands, members volunteering to set up and present the quilts and, many times judging the Division.
The Library Quilts In the year 2000, the very first meeting of the soon to be Marble Falls Quilt Club met at the Marble Falls Library. For many years, the library opened their meeting room to the quilters in the area. We added membership and eventually out-grew the meeting room. We now display a quilt behind the front desk area in appreciation to the library for its support, and to provide education regarding quilting and it's traditions. Quilts usually change monthly.
