On
the morning of Friday 9 October 2020, the school hall at the
Lighthouse School was filled with energetic and gleeful students,
teachers and a host of dignitaries. All in attendance were greeted
by Dr. Aidan Tumilty, Deputy Principal of the Lighthouse School and
emcee, with warm welcome remarks delivered by student Calum O’Brien,
followed by a prayer, the national anthem and finally the national
song sung by a wonderful trio of students consisting of Kadi
McLaughlin, Tavon Brady and Marion Wheatle.

Opening
remarks by the Hon. Juliana O’Connor Connolly, JP, Minister for
Education, Youth, Sports, Agriculture and Lands presented students
with an inspiration and uplifting message followed by a special
performance by the Savannah Primary school choir, a special steel pan
performance by His Excellency the Governor, Mr. Martyn Roper OBE,
accompanied by Mr. Earl La Pierre and Mr. Glen Inanga. The remainder
of the concert featured a unique musical performance by the Buddho
Medicine Songs group, and other artistic expressions consisted of
singing by Yahdah Miller and a special piece entitled “Gold” by
Ms. Susan Whittaker’s class, a poetry recital by Tavon Brady and
special awards presentations.

The
inaugural “Sensory Celebration of Diversity” concert was a
delightful celebration of diversity recognising the talents of
students while acknowledging October as Down Syndrome Awareness
Month, and highlighting the importance of Autism and Cerebral Palsy
Awareness. Dr. Tumilty expressed, “We are absolutely delighted
and so grateful for the support that the Lighthouse School has
received in recognition of our wonderfully diverse school community,
and our society as a whole. We successfully sold out all of our
neurodiversity shirts with the proceeds going towards the furtherance
of education and awareness raising efforts. We look forward to
growing the concert as a platform to showcase the talents of our
students in the years to come.”

In
observance of Autism Awareness, the Human Rights Commission purchased
and wore shirts sold by the Lighthouse School that featured a
colourful and stylish design that highlights the Autism Rights
Movement rainbow-coloured infinity loop representing the diversity of
individuals with autism spectrum disorder and the wider
neurodiversity movement. The Human Rights Commission Chairman Mr.
Dale Crowley attended the concert and expressed his appreciation of
the hard work and effort by the students and teachers for making the
event a successful celebration of diversity in speaking with Dr.
Aidan Tumilty, Deputy Principal. Mr. Crowley further remarked “The
Human Rights Commission was pleased to be invited in this inaugural
celebration of diversity and the Commission looks forward to future
partnership opportunities with the Lighthouse School to further their
awareness efforts of Neurodiversity.”

For
more information on the Commission or to learn more about the Bill of
Rights, Freedoms and Responsibilities, call 244-3685 or visit our
website and Facebook pages at www.humanrightscommission.ky
www.facebook.com/cihrc