Adyson Merck, a student from Palacios Junior High and a member of El Maton 4H, created a Quilt of Valor as part of Texas 4H’s Fashion and Interior Design project. Merck and April McAvoy McKinney worked together on the quilt, with McKinney teaching her how to use the Handi Quilter machine. Adyson chose Philip Hester, Surfside Beach’s police chief, as the recipient after bonding with him during his campaign. The quilt won Grand Champion at the Matagorda County Fair.