Every December for the past four years, students have anticipated the Tiny Tim contest. Each year student activities and the library organize a theme for their Christmas celebrations. Librarian Tony Powers said that he and student activities, “came up with the idea for a “Muppet Christmas Carol” theme not too long after the previous Christmas,” and when this December rolled around Tiny Tim (a kermit figurine from a “Muppet Christmas Carol” ) was stashed and hidden between the bookshelves. The concept of this contest is simple – find the hidden Tiny Tim figurine to enter a raffle – yet the grand prize has been the most coveted: the famous quilt.
This quilt plays a special role in the holiday celebrations for many reasons. Rose Powers, who is married to Tony Powers, crafted the quilt. Since retiring from the public library, Rose Powers has been quilting for the last fifteen years. Consecutively, she has made the quilts each year.
A level of high detail has gone into her work, she began the design process in July. Quilting takes several months because it requires design prep, materials gathering, sewing, and a multitude of technical processes.
Due to the unique theme, Rose Powers used “Muppets Christmas Carol” t-shirts as her medium.
According to Tony Powers, the end result was that the, “The front side (of the quilt) was all muppet characters and on the reserve side she found fabric that said Bah Humbug.”
For Rose Powers, the quilt making process is enjoyable because she enjoys the detail and patience it requires, but also the traditions and joy that it can create. “Quilts are an heirloom item so hopefully for all the winners we’ve had in the past it becomes part of their Holiday traditions.” Tony Powers said.
Many of the students who participated this year were excited to get a chance to win this coveted award. While first place, senior Malcolm Paris won the quilt, runner ups received cushioned also made by Rose Powers. For junior Jojo O’Connor she also enjoyed prizes she earned each time she found Tiny Tim: “even the tattoos, I love them!”
To Tony Powers, the Tiny Tim contest and Rose Powers’ quilt represents something more than just competition. “It’s a fun thing that the whole community can participate in, whether you’re a senior or a freshmen or a staff member or a faculty member, everyone can participate.”
O’Connor finds that despite the competitive nature of the contest in hopes of the quilt, it helps bring people together. When she was searching for Tiny Tim she was “looking with a few senior girls that I didn’t know, but we were working together.”
Rose Powers “loves contributing something to the community” said Tony Powers. In the past years, she has helped work dances, chaperoned on school trips, and has built connections with many at DePaul Prep.
To him, this tradition helps students and faculty relax and enjoy the Holiday spirit during the upcoming finals season. He believes this is a “great tradition” and he “looks forward to continuing it.”
