Together 21 (T21) have a lot to celebrate before members enjoy the summer holidays!
Three children enjoyed a special graduation ceremony before heading off after summer to join primary school in September.
Together 21 provides a wide range of fun learning activities to help children and young people, aged 0 – 17 with Down Syndrome to develop key skills.
For the first time in two years, T21 held the graduation in person at the Pioneering Care Centre in Newton Aycliffe.
Luca, Eve and Elliott graduated from the weekly T21 Friday learning group, as they prepare for new beginnings after the summer break.
The trio have been members of the group since they were only weeks old, and will be attending the Saturday fun group to stay in touch with friends.
Carol Gaskarth, chief executive of Pioneering Care Partnership (PCP), attended to deliver medals and certificates to the graduates, all wearing a cloak and hat to mark the occasion.
She said: “It’s an honour to watch children of Together 21 grow, learn and build friendships in their weekly sessions.
“Hosting the graduation ceremony in person was a heart-warming experience, there was even tears of joy across the room! It was a great event and I wish Elliott, Eve and Luca the very best in their new adventure.
“A perfect end to a fantastic academic year. We can’t wait to reunite with T21 in September.”
The celebration concluded with every child awarded a medal to celebrate a year of hard work, lots of singing and signing, and a delicious buffet! T21 families showed gratitude to staff members with bouquets of flowers, and a T21 sibling made two delicious cakes to add to the party celebrations.
