William First of 2 Darlington Early Stages Students Who Win Awards
William Hart of the 9.00am Darlington Early Stages Class has learned this Weekend that he has won through to the finals of the `Good Buddy` award in the national Stagecoach Awards which will be presented at The Theatre Royal, Drury Lane later on this month. The awards presentations will be followed by a visit to the show running at the Theatre Royal at the moment - `Shrek`. William is already a big fan of Shrek.
Well Done Will!! We are all very proud of you. All your friends in your class and Janie, Sue, Kate and myself (being the teachers that know you the best) in particular!! We will all be thinking about you on the day and we`re very jealous that we can`t come to see Shrek with you.
Will`s mum Maggie nominated him in these words…..
William Hart is a delightful little boy, with red hair. He loves dinosaurs, Shrek, school, Stagecoach and most importantly his family. William, who will be six on the 24th November, is the middle brother of three. His oldest brother Alex, 7, happens to have Down syndrome. Alex’s speech is very limited, and William is in many cases is Alex’s voice. William, despite being only 5, recognises that Alex is different, in William words, “Alex has dance syndrome because he loves music!” Both boys attend the local mainstream school, Alex with full time support. William is very protective of his older brother, and in many ways is treated as the oldest brother, because he is much taller than Alex. William sets a great example of what a brother and friend should be. When questioned at school about Alex being different, William is happy to explain that Alex has Down syndrome and needs more help to do things but he can do things. This doesn’t mean that as brothers they don’t argue, they do, but the love that William has for Alex, and his younger brother Ben, is something rare
and wise beyound his years. Alex attends lots of appointments, and is also on the autistic spectrum, his lack of speech can make life at home frustrating, at times for us all, however William is fantastically patient and understanding. He accepts that at times Alex’s needs need to come first and never complains. He once said that he is happy that he doesn’t have Down syndrome, because he recognises that life is different for Alex. However he embraces the fact that Alex, is Alex, and happens to have Down syndrome. He is incredibly erceptive of all children’s needs and will talk and engage with any child. He is a delight and a child that will go far, what ever he chooses to do in the future. When he grows up he wants to be a dinosaur! I am very proud of all my boys, but William, as the middle child, who is treated as the oldest child in the family, is pretty amazing. His school, family and friends think so to.I would love to nominate William in the Good Buddy category, because he is a great buddy, friend and brother. He is an exceptional little man, who has grown up fast, who delights in life and is a kind and considerate little boy. (I run a charity for children with Down syndrome and it takes a lot of my time, but William is very happy that I work with children who are like Alex and happen to have Down syndrome.) William Hart, is in my opinion, a true role model to all the children who have brothers and sisters which have additional needs, and also to his friends and most importantly to his brothers.
January 14th, 2012 at 6:59 pm
well done William, just like it says: “All family and friends” are very proud of you. lots of love Daddy x