Lemonade Stand Teaches 12-Year-Old Tough Lesson

A Barrington 12-year-old is learning a tough lesson about the value of a dollar this week. 

Ethan Stearney is holding a lemonade stand at the corner of Summit St.  and Hillside Ave. Although he’s earned some money through the sale, he won’t be able to keep any of it for himself. 

“Yesterday (Aug. 13), I left my parent’s computer outside and it started raining. I need to earn $400 to pay it back, so I started this lemonade stand,” Stearney said. 

Stearney’s older sister Madelyn said luckily, her brother wasn’t home when her parent’s found out about the computer. 

“They calmed down by the time he got home,” she said. 

Stearney is selling cups of lemonade and muffins at the booth he’s set up. There isn’t a price tag on any of the items for sale. Stearney is accepting whatever amount of donation money people are willing to give him. 

“I’ve saved up $100 from allowance,” he said. “From the lemonade stand, I’ve earned $35 so far.”

Stearney said he’ll be selling lemonade and muffins as long it takes to earn the money needed. 

“I’ll be here until I earn $400.”

Stearney will be back at Summit St. and Hillside Ave. Wednesday, Aug. 17, weather permitting.