Hailey Wagner suspected something when she spotted her younger sister at Gorton Junior High School recently. Hailey’s suspicions moved up a notch when she was the last one to enter the school auditorium and there were her parents, music class and a group of officials waiting for her.

She was bewildered. What was going on? What had she done? What was she expected to do?

She wasn’t prepared for what came next.

Domenic Izzi stepped forward to talk about the foundation he and his wife, Lois, founded following the death of their son, Domenic Izzi Jr., in a head-on collision on Route 95 on March 18, 2012. A drunk driver who was driving the wrong way on the interstate highway struck Izzi, 40, a musician, artist, photographer, videographer and editor. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

In memory of their son, the Izzis created the Domenic A. Izzi Jr. Foundation for Young Aspiring Musicians. The foundation’s mission is to “bring change in the lives of children by providing financial assistance to purchase musical instruments of their own.”

The Izzis had a musical instrument for Hailey. It was a new violin, one that she could call her own and keep for a lifetime.

Hailey was speechless when handed the case. Her mother grabbed pictures on her cell phone. Izzi and School Superintendent Richard D’Agostino congratulated her. She voiced a barely audible “thank you” and then watched as Izzi snapped the latches open to reveal the violin sitting in a velvet bed.

Michelle Devine, Gorton music teacher, helped her remove the violin. Hailey held it cautiously, like it might break, still trying to comprehend that this was her very own instrument.

“Would you like to say something?” offered Izzi.

Maybe Hailey had something to say, but the words evaded her at that moment. She looked around and Izzi quickly picked up on her shyness.

“That’s all right,” he said to a visibly relieved Hailey. There was an awkward silence and then came the suggestions, “Play something.”

Hailey didn’t hesitate. She reached for the bow and knew instantly it would need resin.

“That’s because it’s new,” said Devine, offering to get some. But Hailey was already exploring the case and in a compartment found a black square of resin.

She scratched the surface of the resin using the butt of the bow and then pulled the bow across the chalky surface. Devine plucked the stings of the violin and declared it in tune.

She handed the instrument back to Hailey. Hailey cradled it between her chin and her shoulder and played. It made no difference that it was only a few notes. The Izzis were beaming.

Hailey was already demonstrating how music could develop self-esteem, a goal of the foundation’s work along with creativity and self-discipline to reach one’s highest potential. Hailey was selected for the award based on an essay she wrote on how a musical instrument could change her life. It helped that she has a good attendance record, good grades and supporting letters from Devine, her principal and her guidance counselor.

Since its creation, the foundation has provided musical instruments to 27 middle and junior high students. The foundation’s work is supported through donations, fundraisers and gifts of instruments. A tremendous boost has come from the Laborers Union. Izzi said 30 local unions have donated toward the $60,000 the foundation has raised to support its mission.

Izzi said the foundation’s goal is to help young aspiring musicians across New England and that applicants are not limited to Rhode Islanders. The foundation also considers applications from organizations promoting career exploration and educational enhancement through the arts.