A generous $100,000 allocation from Berkeley County to Daniel Island School will help create a bigger, better playground that will be accessible to children of all abilities.
After Daniel Island School hosted its student council election this school year, it’s newly-elected officials wrote down ideas of the types of changes they wanted to put into action at their school – one of those ideas was updating the playground equipment for students with special needs.
They knew playground equipment can be expensive so student council members teamed up with Beta Club members to host a Valentine’s Day-themed fundraiser earlier this month; they raised $588.
Student Council decided to take their quest for funds a step further by submitting a letter to Berkeley County Council asking for help. The county surprised them last week by inviting them to the Feb. 26 council meeting to let them state their case.
Eighth grader Emily Hughes, who serves as the student council president, was joined by sixth grader/vice president Keegan McGivern and fifth grade members Sara Whitley and Olive Abney, in visiting County Council. They were also joined by school administrators and district officials.
When she was invited to take the podium, Hughes told the room that she and her fellow student council members are interested in making recess more accessible to students of all abilities; she said they wanted to achieve this with new playground equipment – including handicap-accessible items – and expand the school’s community garden to make it a sensory garden as well.
“We were wondering if there could be any help with funding these projects for Daniel Island School,” she said. “We see kids with wheelchairs who sometimes get left out at recess, or cannot physically use the equipment we currently have, and we want that to stop. We hope you’ll be able to help.”
District 2 Councilman and Finance Committee Chair Josh Whitley, who is also a parent of Daniel Island School students, surprised students and staff by making a motion to allocate $100,000 to the school to get new equipment on the playgrounds – these upgrades will not only be enjoyed by the students, but by the community as well. The motion passed unanimously.
Receiving that much money astounded the students.
“We were so happy,” Hughes said. “We just felt so proud and excited that this could actually happen.”
Supervisor Johnny Cribb praised students for looking out for their fellow classmates.
“On behalf of Berkeley County Council, we are proud to make this monetary donation for such an essential quality of life project for our children,” Cribb said in a statement from the county. “It is encouraging to see children looking out for their peers; and this Student Council’s selfless and inspiring mission is proof that we have incredibly promising leaders in our County's next generation.
Whitley echoed similar thoughts.
"These students challenged themselves to improve their school for all students and in turn challenged Council by going to their local government to help them," he said in a statement from the county. "It was the easiest of votes for us and I am honored to represent these incredibly kind and brilliant students.”
Principal Laura Blanchard further praised her students for identifying a need at the school and taking action.
“We are stunned and just feel very blessed to have that level of support,” Blanchard said. “It’s a lesson for the kids that voices matter, and raising theirs in a positive way has brought about positive change in their community.”
The students also plan to be a part of the design process to help get the playground equipment updated; they are planning a field trip to Park Circle in North Charleston, home of the world’s largest inclusive playground, to get some ideas.
BCSD Superintendent Dr. Anthony Dixon, Deputy Superintendent Dr. Karen Whitley and Director of Special Services Katie Stapleton were among audience members who came to support the students at the meeting.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Councilman Josh Whitley, Supervisor Johnny Cribb and all of county Council for their incredibly generous donation to the Daniel Island School Student Council,” Dixon said. “Their support will make a significant impact in building a playground tailored to the needs of students with special needs, fostering inclusivity and joy for all. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to our community’s children.”
