Tuskan Times October 2013 | Page 12

On The Bright Side

Stella Hattemer

Seventeen years ago, a twelve-year-old student at Grizzly Hill Elementary School in Nevada City broke into the school, damaged a few windows, stole money from several classrooms and took items from the principal’s desk. It is estimated that he stole about $300, money that was carefully saved for an end-of-year field trip. This was not exactly something out of the usual, as the small school simply lacked people and protection. The principal of the school, James Berardi, stated that “We’re out in the country, and things disappear out here, because there’s not a lot of people here“. Nevertheless, anything stolen or lost was never returned – until three days ago, when the principal found a blue envelope stuffed through the mail slot of the office.

The irrational wrongdoings of a foolish young boy plagued the (now) 29 year old, man for seventeen years. The wracking guilt lead the man to make amends by sincerely apologizing in a hand-written letter and sending the school three hundred $1 bills, in an effort to make up for the damage all those years ago.

In his letter he states:

“In 1996 I broke into the school just before the end of the school year. I stole some money of a few classrooms (they had been saving it for a “end of year trip or party”), some confiscated items from the principal’s desk, and in doing this broke the latches and/or frames off a few windows. I am not exactly sure how much the damage cost to repair or how much money I stole. My best guess is about $300. I’ve enclosed this money in restitution of what I’ve done in an attempt to make this matter right, amends for my wrong. If there is anyone still working at the school who remembers this event and feels $300 does not cover the theft for the damage please contact me.”

One teacher that that taught in 1996, when the break-in happened, believes that the fact that he did something wrong hurt him so much and made him feel so poorly about the choices he had made, that he had no choice but to make it right. She also believes that the letter itself was worth much more than the repaid money because it helped teach the children a message of redemption for actions, no matter how long ago it was. At the end of the letter, the man discloses his contact information, in case the estimated damages were higher than $300 and asked to be given a call if more money was necessary. The principal reported to have called, thanked and told him that the money sent was enough. Children act irresponsibly at times but, on the bright side, this doesn’t have to mean that they don’t learn and grow from them. I hope this shows the rest of you that taking the responsible and honest role of both admitting to mistakes and to repay them, is possible.