A lesson eighth-graders received at Holy Trinity School may leave them with a lasting impression, said Matt Herrmann.

Herrmann teaches English and religion at the Norwood Catholic school and said he is trying to emphasize the importance of service to others to his students. He said the effort is particularly important to his eighth-graders because this is the year of their confirmation, a sacrament signifying Christian commitment.

To that end, the class has developed a relationship with residents at Norwood Retirement Community. Students visited the elderly community center the week before Christmas to decorate the doors of the residents as part of a holiday contest, Herrmann said.

"The students and residents were paired up and the bonding that took place was nothing short of inspiring,'' Herrmann said.

Herrmann said he has 32 students among two eighth-grade classes. Half of the students will visit the center next Wednesday and work with the residents to make tie-dyed T-shirts. Others will visit Jan. 21 and mingle with the residents for a game day.

"We plan to bring the residents to the school so they may attend church with the students,'' Herrmann said.

Violinist has high hopes

Tessa Frederick, 14, has her mind set on London, Big Ben, maybe a little tea and the Menuhin International Violin Competition.

None of that will take place until March, but she is too excited to think of much else but the trip and competition.

Tessa is among students who have been accepted for the international competition March 26-April 4.

"This is my first competition, and I don't know what to expect,'' said Tessa, whose stage name is Tessa Lark.

"I just know that I am excited about it and looking forward to the competition and seeing London.''

Tessa is a member of the University of Cincinnati College of Conservatory of Music's Starling Strings, a pre-college program. She studies with Kurt Sassmannshaus, who was named last year to the Dorothy Richard Starling Chair in classical violin. He founded the Starling Preparatory String Project, a pre-college program to develop the talent of extraordinary young violinists.

Tessa is the daughter of Robert and Diane Frederick of Richmond, Ky.

"We are very proud and excited about this opportunity,'' said Diane Frederick.

Church brightens holiday

New Prospect Baptist Church, pastored by the Rev. Damon Lynch III, adopted three Over-the-Rhine schools last month to brighten their holiday season by providing gifts and other items.

The schools were Rothenberg, Vine Street and Washington Park.