Christina Henderson, a senior at McAuley High School, will head for Corona, Calif., this fall to join the Young Americans, an award-winning dancing and singing group that puts on music workshops in schools across the country.

Henderson auditioned for the company last year during a workshop at La Salle High School. She was notified Jan. 16 that she had been accepted.

"I can't explain how excited I am," she said. "To me this is a chance of a lifetime."

Henderson will enroll in college in California while performing with the group.

She plays a guitar and a contra bass. She also sings, dances and gives theatrical performances. She has been in numerous plays and performances during her four years at McAuley.

Christina Henderson (front), a senior at McAuley High School in College Hill, sings during her vocal ensemble class. (Gary Landers photo) | ZOOM |

"We are pretty excited about this at the school," said McAuley principal Cheryl Sucher. "Christina has been a delightful and talented student during her four years here. We wish her well."

Henderson is part of the school's 12-member vocal ensemble.

Mary White, music director, said she has taught Henderson since she was a freshman at McAuley.

"She is a hard worker, very talented and has great stage presence," White said.

Henderson will join another local student who was chosen by the Young Americans last year. She is Ellen Dienger, daughter of Joseph and Denise Dienger of Loveland. She is a graduate of Mount Notre Dame High School and is a freshman at Chapman University, Orange, Calif.

The Young Americans Company was formed in 1962 with an interest of spreading music throughout the schools, said Ashley Bruske, manager.

"We conduct music workshops across the country in schools and also overseas," she said. "We are a non-profit organization. We are in the process of getting accreditation for our school, California Pacific, for our students."

She said there are 200 students in the company, ages 14 to 22. Forty members are on tour. They completed a music workshop at McAuley two weeks ago.

"Another 40 members of the company will leave for overseas in February. We will visit Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England," Bruske said.

The Greater Cincinnati Bowling Association presented a check for $3,217 to the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, money the association raised during a city championship tournament three weeks ago.

Gary Crooker, executive secretary of GCBA, presented the check to Steven Terrell, who will be director of the Children's Miracle Network Auxiliary and special events at the hospital.

Families raising children with developmental disabilities will be offered free respite services by the Children's Home of Cincinnati beginning Feb. 15.

The child care and activities are offered to children, ages 3 months to 8 years on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month from 6-8 p.m. and on the first Saturday of each month, 9 a.m. to noon. Services are at 5014 Madison Road, Madisonville.

Allen Howard's "Some Good News" column runs Sunday-Friday. If you have suggestions about outstanding achievements, or people who are uplifting to the Tristate, let him know at 768-8362, at ahoward@enquirer.com or by fax at 768-8340.