Wednesday, May 19, 1999
Stolen money catalyst for student's winning essay
BY BERNIE MIXON
The Cincinnati Enquirer
COLERAIN TOWNSHIP — Andrew Henke watched helplessly as his music teacher Gayley Hautzenroeder cried after someone stole money students raised to benefit both the middle school and high school orchestras.
He wanted to help her but didn't know quite how. So he put his feelings into words and entered an essay contest that asked students what their school would do with an extra $10,000 in cash.
Andrew's entry — use the $10,000 for the orchestra — was chosen from more than 500 entries, and today Pleasant Run Middle School will receive a check for $10,000.
Mrs. Hautzenroeder, who teaches at both the middle school and Northwest High School, said she was impressed with her student's sensitivity. “It brought tears to my eyes,” she said.
“I was overwhelmed,” said Andrew, 15, now a ninth-grader at Northwest High School, after he learned his essay was chosen. “I was very happy. I couldn't believe it.”
As part of a “Fuel for Your School” promotion that ran in Meijer stores, packages of Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal featured a contest encouraging students to compete in the essay contest.
The grand prize could be used only at an accredited private, parochial or public kindergarten-through-eighth grade school for general operational purposes.
This is the first year for the contest sponsored jointly Meijer Stores and General Mills. In addition to the $10,000, Cheerios NASCAR driver Johnny Benson will attend the assembly.
Andrew's mother encouraged the college-bound student to enter the essay contest. When looking for a subject, his thought about his teacher.
“It has been my pleasure to have Mrs. Hautzenroder (sic) for the last four years for Orchestra. She is a wonderful teacher and a truly kind, loving, happy person,” Andrew wrote.
“Yesterday, I saw Mrs. Hautzenroder (sic) crying. She, along with the orchestra members, had worked very hard on a fund raiser. The money was locked in her office,” he continued.
“Yesterday, she found the doors unlocked, and all of the Orchestra's money missing. If I were wealthy, I would replace the money. Unfortunately, I am not,” he wrote.
“Andrew's essay stood out because it was the most touching,” said Nicole Mader, General Mills communications manager. “Andrew showed compassion and loyalty for his teacher while also showing great respect for what was most important to her ... her music program.”
The $10,000 will be used in the middle school's music program to buy instruments and bring in guest musicians, directors and composers.
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