Teachers, staff make scarves to honor teacher killed in house explosion

It is a labor of love for teachers and staff at Southwest Elementary School.

They are honoring fellow teacher Jennifer Longworth and her husband Dion by making scarves and hats for Jennifer's students. The Longworths died in the south side house explosion last month.

Teachers said Longworth used to make hats and scarves for her students each year for the holidays. Her fellow teachers decided to pool together and continue that legacy.


"To do something that celebrates something positive from Jennifer's life and not the explosion, It's been really good for us," said teacher Katie Webb.

The teachers and staff made so many hats and scarves that the extras will be donated to kids at Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health.

The project not only honors Longworth's memory, but has also been therapeutic for the those who lost a colleague.

"To see my staff here smiling and having good memories remembering things about Mrs. Longworth it's really helped the healing process," said Beth Guilfoy, principal at Southwest.

"I taught with Jennifer on her team, so I kind of felt l needed to do something in memory of her and do something I think she would appreciate," said teacher Trent Whaley.

Along with the knitting project, all the proceeds from the school's annual ornament contest will be donated to the Jennifer and Dion Longworth Memorial Fund.
 
Jennifer's Colts ornament from last year is on display in the school's library.

The school will make the knitting project to honor Jennifer Longworth a yearly tradition.

All of the yarn and materials were donated.