Teamwork is key to helping special needs students in Ansonia

A sign describes the theme of a mural at Prendergast School in Ansonia. Patricia Villers/Register 

Last week I visited John G. Prendergast Elementary School in Ansonia to learn about a tile mural, and also about life.
Special needs students, peer mentors, and teachers, created an Autism Awareness mural under the direction of Monroe artist Kathy Vincent.
The project, which special education teacher Eugenie O'Callaghan said took a few months to complete, was funded by a grant from the Orange-based Jamie A. Hulley Arts Foundation.
The foundation gave the school $1,500 to work with students in the creation of two murals. The second one features the Six Pillars of Character. It was made by members of the school's Character Counts club.
O'Callaghan proudly showed me the outstanding Autism Awareness mural before introducing me to her students, who are all diagnosed with moderate to severe forms of autism.
I was touched to see that despite their disabilities the students were able to create key elements for the mural and add to its beauty.     
I encourage area residents to visit the school to view the works of art installed there.
No doubt you'll be inspired.