LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:

(This article appeared in the Pekin Daily Times)

To the Editor:

Our daughter and sister, Heather Henninger, was 19 years old when she was murdered in Pekin.

She touched everyone around her with a special love and kindness. She would do anything for anyone and always worried about everyone but never herself.

United Auto Workers, Local 974, established a scholarship fund in the memory of Heather in 2000. Funds are raised through events put on by the UAW, such as a 9-pin no tap bowling tournament and golf tournament. The retirees of Local 974 also donate a lot of money, which they collect from retiree-sponsored events. The support has been overwhelming.

Once a year a drawing is held and funds are given to 12 young men and 12 women currently attending college and family members.

When they started in 2000, the total amount awarded was $850, now in 2007, it is $18,000. Six males and six females each receive $1,000 and six males and six females each receive $500. That was the breakdown of the gift amounts.

The Heather Henninger Scholarship award was given Sunday, September 9^th.

Thank you everyone for your support and loving memories of Heather.

Chris, Dave and Mike Henninger,

Manito