Hearing-impaired girl given a full-size piano

A Journal-News article about her creative drive inspires act of kindness.

MIDDLETOWN — Arelis Betancourt Franquiz left for her usual school day Monday morning walking past the tiny, electronic piano on which the hearing-impaired student taught herself how to play during the coronavirus pandemic.

But when she returned home in the afternoon from her classes at Middletown Middle School, that was gone.

In its place, to Franquiz’ amazement, was a full-sized, traditional piano donated by a local group along with nearly $1,000 for piano lessons.

“What is this?” said the stunned eighth grader as she entered her Middletown home and walked slowly toward the shiny, fullsized, wood-covered piano sitting where her old electronic keyboard used to.

“Oh my gosh!”

Urged on by her smiling mother, Franquiz opened an envelope propped up on it from the Middletown RAK (Random Acts of Kindness) group and began to read their unsigned note:

“Dear Arelis: It has come to our attention that even though you have experienced some extra challenges in life, you have met those challenges with strength, determination, creativity, and joy!”

“The recent article in the Journal-News about the way that you used free time during the pandemic to teach yourself how to play the piano was inspiring!” read the note.

“In fact, so inspiring that we were moved to do something for you so that your dream of having your own piano could come true! Once others heard about your amazing achievements, they wanted to join in and be a part of this wonderful project.

“So, today we offer you the gift of this lovely piano which is

Piano