Bausch was surprised by an assembly from the entire student body and "Three Wishes" host Amy Grant. She was presented with $50,000 worth of free hearing aid equipment and asked to conduct her choir while they sang a gospel song, "Alleluia."

"I’ve heard these kids better than I have heard for such a long time," said Bausch. "I am so thankful you believed in me when I didn’t think I was good enough. There could be no better job. Thank you for not giving up on me."

Producers from “Three Wishes” contacted Phonak Hearing Systems of Chicago, which provided the hearing aids and outfitted her house with hearing equipment.

"You obviously have a passion for music, for your choir and their lives," said Grant to Bausch during the assembly. " ... Maybe something they can take away from you is to learn that they can be overcomers."

Bausch also was presented with a flute with a microphone. Family members said she has not been able to play the flute since she lost her hearing.

Bausch played a few notes on the flute to the crowd, and they cheered.

Grant even treated the students to an impromptu song after they began to chant, "Amy, Amy."

"Well, what do y’all want to hear?" asked Grant, who sang two verses of her song, "Oh, How the Years Go By."

Grant had to hold the guitar up to the microphone as she sang.

"This should give hope to you aspiring musicians," joked Grant.

Another wish might be granted during a Mineral City town meeting, which will be held Tuesday at 12:30 in front of the fire station on High St. in the village. Mayor Terry Nill did not disclose the nature of the meeting, but a building believed to be a village library has been constructed nearby.

The "Three Wishes" crew videotaped at Tuscarawas Valley Middle School where Nicole Donant, who began collecting books for the project two years ago, is a student.

By Ryan Karp
http://www.timesreporter.com/left.php?ID=46854&r=0