A Tribute to Terence
2011-08-12T00:00:00
A few weeks ago the staff at SPIN Frankford worked together to
create a wonderful, moving tribute to one our young staff who lost
his life this time last year. The Frankford team wanted to remember
Terence Godbolt in a special way. Terence's co-workers felt that
since he loved the preschool children with autism he had worked
with, that we should dedicate the Autistic Support therapy room in
his name. Terence also had a special love for Disney's The Lion
King and one of our SPIN Drummond teachers, Kristen Jackson, who
had worked with Terence, volunteered her artistic talent and time
to create a mural. Terence's co-workers donated snacks and baked
goods which we sold at trainings and at work to raise funds for the
paint.
Kristen painted a full wall size portrait of Mufasa from The
Lion King holding his cub, Simba, on his shoulders and a jungle
scene on one other wall. The remaining walls were outlined with
puzzle pieces to represent autism awareness. Our staff painted the
puzzle pieces during their breaks and after work, while listening
to The Lion King CD and remembering their fine young friend who
left us too soon. Jill Zajac another co-worker also volunteered her
time to assist in the painting.
Over the course of two weeks, this memorial was created and it
turns out, just in time. Terence's mother, Denise who has worked in
Children's Services for over 23 years had invited her family from
South Carolina to support her during this difficult time and they
were leaving at the end of July. With amazing teamwork, the room
was completed including a plaque with a wonderful picture of
Terence holding one of the little ones from the Autistic Support
class on his shoulders - just like Mufasa!
We held a special ribbon cutting ceremony and Denise unveiled
the plaque for her family. Family and friends were invited to write
their memories of Terence on the puzzle pieces in the therapy or
"Terence's "room as we now call it. Staff also rallied to bring in
incredible refreshments for the over 30 special visitors from
Terence's family.
We invite you to come and visit SPIN Frankford. You will not
only see the best educational programming for over 250 children but
you will also see a room that symbolizes the love and special
feelings that our staff have for each other and for our remarkable
young friend, Terence Godbolt!
Marylou Haughney
Director, Children's Services