Berkeley County Council surprised Daniel Island Student Council members with project funding
DANIEL ISLAND, S.C. (WCBD) — The Daniel Island School will soon receive new handicap-accessible playground equipment and expand the school’s community sensory garden thanks to new funding.
Monday night, Berkeley County Council members voted unanimously to approve $100,000 for Daniel Island School. Daniel Island School Student Council President Emily Hughes, 8th grade, attended the meeting to request $72,000 for the school’s project.
“We’re interested in making recess accessible to all students. We want to make this school a better place by adding special needs playground equipment and a sensory garden. We want to expand the play area to include handicap-accessible equipment such as swings. We would love to expand the nearby community garden, which includes our current small sensory garden, to be used by all of our students. We see kids with wheelchairs who sometimes get left out of recess or cannot physically use the equipment we currently have…and we want that to stop,” said Hughes.
The board surprised the student council by allocating $100,000 instead. Funding for the Daniel Island School improvement project will come from Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Funding and Accommodations Fee Discretionary Funds.
“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. 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,” said “Johnny Cribb, Berkeley County Supervisor.
Both county and school officials thanked the council for their funding approval. Dr. Anthony Dixon, Berkeley County School District Superintendent, expressed his belief that the new improvements expected from the project will also boost inclusivity in the school.
“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. 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,” Dixon said.
