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Infant's death spurs gift to Northwest Local Schools

Parents remember son with drive to assist district through raising $10,000, promoting volunteerism

By Stephanie Warsmith Beacon Journal staff writer

Published on Monday, Sep 24, 2007

It's hard to imagine the death of a newborn benefiting a school district.

But Joanna Metsker has found a way.

Metsker, 36, of Clinton, has started a memorial fund with her husband, Corey, to honor Jacob, her son who died in 1998 when he was just 5 days old.

Proceeds of the nonprofit fund, called Jacob's Gift, will be used to buy items and pay for programs for the cash-strapped Northwest Local Schools. District funding will be on the ballot in November for the sixth time in two years, and Northwest has been making cuts, including halving the classroom-supply budget, eliminating field trips and teacher training, and implementing workbook fees.

The Beacon Journal talked to this ambitious mother of four about her effort to honor Jacob.

Q: How did Jacob die?

A: He was 21/2 pounds when he was born . . . Every day, he got worse. He kept getting infections. It was an emotional roller coaster. We would go in and see him and he would be good. Then, he'd be worse . . . They take you into a room and take off all of the tubes. We got to hold him . . . He died while we were holding him.

Q: Why did you decide to set up the fund?

A: We were going to make a one-time donation to the school (Northwest Elementary, the school that two of her children attend). It just grew from there. I was watching an episode of Oprah, where they were buying pajamas for kids who did not have them. I was inspired by people who gave up parts of their lives to help kids.

Q: What do you hope to accomplish?

A: Mostly, with the parents and students, we want to promote volunteerism and giving back to the community.

Q: What will the money be used for?

A: We'll see what the teachers need . . . It might be something a normal school district has and we just aren't able to purchase right now through our school district. Our school district is awesome. It's not like the kids are going without. But there are things that have to be cut and have to be reduced.

Q: How much do you hope to raise?

A: I would at least like to have $10,000 by this time next year. Honestly, I have no clue. I'd love for it to take off. I'd like to get one corporate sponsor . . . It's just hard. There are a lot of things people are soliciting donations for.

Q: If the levy passes in November, will your effort continue?

A: That's not going to make our district rich. It's just going to cover basic needs. It's not a magic cure. It's tough right now, with the way school funding is.

Q: Many districts statewide are having budget problems like Northwest. Could others follow your lead?

A: It's a lot of work to get it up and running. I know there will be a lot of other parents who would like to do this in the memory of a child. Or, if they do live in a district in financial trouble, that would be a good idea, too . . . I would mentor them.

Q: You're just one person in a district with about 2,400 students and a $17.7 million budget. Do you really think you can make a difference?

A: Yes, I definitely do. We are not going to be able to cover what passing a levy would cover. We are trying to work with our community and teach kids. I can tell already people have been very kind. I would love to see our levy pass. It's just tough right now. I just would like to do something good in my son's name.

Stephanie Warsmith can be reached at 330-996-3705 or swarsmith@thebeaconjournal.com.