Andover volunteer believes in leveling the playing field

Eileen M. Adams/Sun Journal Sharon Hutchins of Andover has been driving students to school in Bus No. 25 for years. She also is a driving force behind the Andover Education Foundation and the Hungry Kingdom breakfast program. 

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- Eileen M. Adams/Sun Journal

Eileen M. Adams/Sun Journal

Bus driver/custodian Sharon Hutchins has been driving the No. 25 bus for SAD 44 for many years. She is also an integral part of the Andover Education Fund and the Hungry Kingdom breakfast program.

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- Eileen M. Adams/Sun Journal

Eileen M. Adams/Sun Journal

Sharon Hutchins, bus driver/custodian, graduate of Andover High School, which is now Andover Elementary School, is also instrumental in the Andover Education Foundation and the Hungry Kingdom breakfast program.

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- Eileen M. Adams/Sun Journal

Eileen M. Adams/Sun Journal

Sharon Hutchins, bus driver/custodian, graduate of Andover High School, which is now Andover Elementary School, is a major part of the Andover Education Foundation and the Hungry Kingdom breakfast program.

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- Eileen M. Adams/Sun Journal

It doesn't matter whether the student graduates from Telstar High School, is home-schooled, or attends a church-run or private school. If that person is a resident of Andover, then $2,500 a year sent directly to the school of choice for four years, up to age 25, is provided through the Andover Education Fund.

And that is thanks to one of the foundation's charter members, Sharon Hutchins, a self-proclaimed "bustodian" of SAD 44 and Andover Elementary School, and a 1967 graduate of the now defunct, Andover High School.

The 12-person volunteer board that operates the Andover Education Fund grew out of the Andover Alumni Association.

The annual appeal for donations will soon be going out to about 1,500 people who have ties to the school and the town. And the first $10,000 received before December, will be equally matched by another Andover High School graduate, Robert Spidell, Class of 1951, who now lives in California.

"This is a barrier-free program," said Hutchins, who has served as bus driver/custodian for the local district for nearly 30 years.

Since the foundation's inception, more than $500,000 has been raised and distributed to almost 150 Andover students. Eleven local students received the scholarship this year, and more than $25,000 has been raised.

Such a barrier-free program also applies to every child in Andover Elementary School. A free breakfast is provided every morning, regardless of income or family situation, under the Hungry Kingdom program, also spearheaded by Hutchins with the assistance of the town's two churches.

Volunteering is something that comes naturally to Hutchins, one of six children in her family who originally came from nearby Bethel.

"Fundraising is part of who I am. We were raised to serve," she said.

She, and five others, all from the southern portion of the state, will be honored next month for their volunteer, community efforts through the 6 Who Care program coordinated by WCSH 6 television station. Nearly 50 people were nominated, with the United Way choosing the final six.

SAD 44 Superintendent David Murphy nominated Hutchins for the award because of her outstanding efforts to establish and continue with the scholarship program and for her part in the breakfast program.

"This is not about me, but about the education fund and the Hungry Kingdom breakfast program," Hutchins said. "This is a humbling experience to be in this league."

The $1,000 that comes with the honor of being one of the 6 Who Care will go to the Andover Education Fund, of course.

eadams@sunjournal.com