Music Fund Honors Memory of New Madison Teacher

Helen L. Hawkey was a music teacher and school
counselor in Darke County for over 40 years.

A new fund established through the HOPE Foundation of Darke County honors the memory of a beloved music educator who taught in New Madison and other area schools for more than 40 years. The Helen L. Hawkey Music Project will provide funding each year to support inspiring and enjoyable music experiences for students in Darke County elementary, middle and high schools.

The fund was established as a loving tribute by Hawkey’s daughter and son-in-law, Joyce and Ken Haraughty of Palm Desert, California.

“By setting up the Music Project, we hope to keep the memories of my mother alive in the hearts of Darke County residents for many years ahead,” said Mrs. Haraughty. “The Music Project is a legacy to her deep love and concern for school children throughout her career.”

In 1935, Mrs. Hawkey began her career at Palestine School in Darke County, and later taught music at New Madison and Butler Schools. At the age of 58, she received a master’s degree in counseling from the University of Dayton, and started a second career as guidance counselor at New Madison School. In 1983, she retired after more than 40 years in education.

After her retirement, Mrs. Hawkey took great delight in seeing and visiting the hundreds of former students whose lives she touched as a teacher and counselor. She passed away in 2012 at the age of 99.

Mrs. Hawkey earned a bachelor’s degree at Indiana Central College (now University of Indianapolis), and completed post-graduate work at Earlham College. She also studied at the Indiana State Teacher’s College and the Cincinnati Conservatory.

The Helen L. Hawkey Music Project Fund will award an annual grant to a non-profit organization or school in Darke County that provides music education and enrichment for Darke County students. Eligible projects include in-school music enrichment programs, field trips to professional performances, fees for music workshops, and tuition assistance for music camps. Applications are due June 14, 2013 and are available by e-mailing the HOPE Foundation at hopefoundation@woh.rr.com or by calling (937) 548-4673.