Rachel Hankinson wins Velvet Ice Cream’s Create-a-Flavor Contest!

WeJoySing’s own Rachel Hankinson (10 years old, of Zanesville, Ohio) was recently named winner of the Velvet Ice Cream Company’s 2008 “Create a Flavor Contest.” Rachel explained her idea for “Chocolate Covered Strawberry” ice cream (strawberry ice cream with chocolate chips…yum!) in an essay that was selected from more than 850 submissions.

On January 6, 2009, several months after entering the contest, Rachel was rehearsing with the Columbus Children’s Choir when representatives from the Velvet Ice Cream Company of Utica, Ohio entered the room. “I just kept sliding back in my chair, wondering if anyone else in the room had entered.” Rachel recalls, “When they called my name, I just couldn’t get over it!”

“They had a trophy for me, and I’m getting a whole year supply of free ice cream. I have a lab jacket that says ‘Taste-tester Rachel.’ You can go into stores this spring and buy my ice cream…with my picture on the carton!” Velvet Ice Cream is distributed regionally in Ohio and several surrounding States.

Friday, the 13th of February was homeschooler Rachel’s “Lucky Day,” as she finally got to experience her first day on the Tasting Panel. Velvet Vice President Luconda Dager credits Rachel’s creativity as the real winning recipe, stating that Rachel is “a creative little girl…[who] really made the choice [of a new flavor] much easier for us.”

Just how did Rachel learn to express herself creatively? Of course, Susan and Russ Hankinson read to their daughter, but singing was also a major component of Rachel’s creative development. Susan testifies: “[WeJoySing] really encourages parents to spend time with their children, to interact with their children and do it through music. That is not the norm in our culture. We hear a lot about reading to our children, but Mrs. Jo teaches parents to relate to their little ones through music.”

Susan says that she considered the WeJoySing program “the top priority of activities for Rachel.” In fact, she and Russ made a 1 ½ hour weekly, round-trip commute to participate with Rachel in WeJoySing programs…for seven years! Rachel’s teacher was Mrs. Jo Kirk, WeJoySing Founder and Director. Of their time together, Rachel comments: “Mrs. Jo really made a difference in my life. She taught me music, being a good friend, and she’s always been there for me. I really miss her. If she could still be my music teacher, I would like that…”

It was Mrs. Jo who recommended that Rachel audition for the Columbus Children’s Choir. Rachel is now a member of the Santa Maria choir (CCC’s #2 choir). In 2007-2008, Rachel was named a “Top Musician” for the Pickerington Satellite Choir.

An avid reader, Rachel has read 1,900 books since kindergarten. She began playing the piano at age 3 ½ and also plays the flute. She is involved in ballet and tap dancing, and as a member of the Central Ohio Daffodil Society, she loves to bring beauty into the world with the daffodils she grows.

Rachel’s passion, however, is writing. Her heart’s desire is to win the Newberry Medal. She says that the reason she wants to write books is because “it would mean a lot to me to write a book that would change even one person’s life…”

Currently, Rachel is working on a book about a girl who has magical ballet shoes, but she’s not sure what her future award-winning book will be about. “I’d like to write a few books and if I win [The Newberry Award] it will be a total surprise…” she laughs.

Has being a celebrity changed Rachel in any way? “Yes!” she effervesces. “It’s given me the opportunity to be published!” Rachel was invited to write an article by the Christian Home Educators of Ohio. “Sweet Surprises” will appear in CHEO’s The Ohio Homeschool Companion (April, 2009 edition.)

Congratulations, Rachel. You bring creative flavor to life!

A Note from the woman Susan Hankinson calls a living, breathing, “4-foot-ten-inch Warm Fuzzy!”-- Mrs. Jo!
WAY TO GO, RACHEL!!
Rachel’s accomplishment is one of the many “success stories” WeJoySing parents have shared with us over the years. As pointed out above, the early experiences we SHARE with our children are key in their overall and later development, be it reading, singing, playing, or just holding them tight in our arms! These experiences create “Warm Fuzzies” that will last a life time for both parent and child. So, how do early music experiences enhance language, reading, and writing abilities? Look for “Music Notes” in April to find out.