The principal of a Co Derry primary school has said that they will ‘remember every day their special friend’ Ryanna Hasson.
John McWilliams, head teacher at St John’s Primary School in Dernaflaw, was speaking after accepting an award from Epilepsy Action which the school won in recognition for its work in supporting the six year-old.
The rimary two pupil had severe epilepsy and needed constant supervision as her seizures were almost a daily occurrence.
Sadly, Ryanna passed away in August last year but her memory still lives on at her primary school, now more than ever.
It was Ryanna’s parents, Sean and Laura who nominated the school for the award who felt her life had been enriched by the staff and pupils at the school and their dedication to her deserved to be recognised.
They said: “We feel that the school went above and beyond for Ryanna and that her life was enriched through the people she met there.
“We thought that the award would be a fitting tribute to Ryanna for the school to be recognised in this way.”
During her time at the school, due to her condition, Ryanna was unable to take part in many activities that other children take for granted such as playing on swings and slides.
However, her school recognised the importance of making sure she was involved in all aspects of school life.
She had a full-time classroom assistant which meant she could join in learning and play activities with her fellow classmates.
Staff were also fully trained on epilepsy, so they knew how to look after her when she had a seizure.
Staff made sure that Ryanna was never left out of events such as school plays or trips, a plan was always put in place to ensure that she could take part.
This helped to give her parents peace of mind that she was enjoying school life to the full, while also being well looked after.
The importance of the school in Ryanna’s life was highlighted by the many photos of her at work and play, which staff placed in her parent’s home during her wake.
The school formed a guard of honour at her funeral and her friends read out their memories as part of the ceremony.
Staff also made a special memory box and presented it to her parents on what would have been her seventh birthday.
On the same day her classmates gathered at her graveside to release balloons in her memory..
This week, Clare Watson from Epilepsy Action visited the school to present the ‘Edward’ award.
The accolade is awarded to schools who have gone above and beyond in supporting students with epilepsy.
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Mr McWilliams said: “When Sean and Laura told us that they were nominating us for an award we were both surprised and delighted.
“I was so pleased for all of our school staff and for Ryanna’s friends and parents, when we got the news that we had won.
“We remember every day our special friend Ryanna, there is never a day that we don’t think about her.”
He concluded: “ This award is a lovely tribute to Ryanna and will stand as a memorial to her and the relationships between our school and the Hasson family.”
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