St Hilda’s Special School in Athlone has recently secured the installation of a new wheelchair swing for its pupils, thanks to the generosity of local businesses and people.
The school, which provides education for children aged between five and 18 years with profound/severe or moderate intellectual disabilities, received generous donations from various fundraising local groups which allowed the purchase and installation of the swing.
These groups include the James O’Brien Memorial Tractor Run in association with Doon/Rashina Vintage run and Ballinahown Village, James Greene, John Francis and Friends, Custume Barracks, employees of the Social Welfare Office, the second year students in bar supervision and culinary arts at AIT, and Maureen Feary and the School House Quilters.
The staff and pupils from St Hilda’s Special School really appreciate the kindness and support shown by all who have generously contributed towards the wheelchair swing - a fantastic addition to the school which has a number of wheelchair users.
The management and staff as St Hilda’s also expressed their thanks to Danny and the staff at Ballina Engineering for supplying and installing the swing.
St Hilda’s also had four pupils who graduated recently and enjoyed a celebratory end of year Mass.
Sarah Sheehan, St Hilda’s fashion queen and a gifted dancer, achieved QQI Level 3 certs in ceramics and breakfast cooking during her time in the school.
David Ward, who has achieved medals in gymnastics, athletics and swimming, graduated with Level 3 QQI certs in ceramics, breakfast cooking, and computer literacy.
Emer Scally, who is full of fun and made great friends in the Daisy Class, had great success in Special Olympics in athletics.
Jerry Smollen achieved Level 3 QQI certs in both ceramics and breakfast cooking as well as a great success in the Special Olympics in swimming and athletics.
There was an end of year graduation mass on June 15 at 11am followed by the unveiling of the new wheelchair swing and a blessing from Fr Declan.
