Fourth Grader Abigail Agudelo Takes the Reins at Saint Augustine School as “Principal for a Day”

On Thursday, October 6, 2016, Abigail Agudelo, a fourth grade student at St. Augustine School in Andover, took the administrative reins as “Principal for a Day.” The opportunity to gain this position was secured at the school’s Spring Extravaganza Fundraiser earlier this year. As principal, Abigail performed governing duties such as leading morning prayer and classroom observations. What makes Abigail’s service as administrator so unusual is that she is the first, and currently only child with Down syndrome, to attend St. Augustine School in its 100-year history.

Down syndrome, also known as Trisomy 21, is a medical diagnosis whereby those with the condition have an extra copy of the 21st chromosome, often modifying physical features as well as intellectual abilities. However, like all other medical conditions, Down syndrome affects each individual uniquely and across a broad range of abilities.

Abigail entered St. Augustine School as a kindergartener and has successfully ascended each grade level alongside her neurotypical counterparts given minor academic modifications and support. Even so, parochial schools that accept and support children with disabilities are few and far between. Five years ago, St. Augustine School saw Abigail’s inclusion as opportunistic rather than challenging, and welcomed her into its student population. School leadership believed that her presence would positively impact not only Abigail’s future, but that of her fellow classmates.

“Change can be difficult for anyone, yet our goals are to provide the most comprehensive educational experience for each of our students before setting them adrift,” said St. Augustine School Principal Paula O’Dea. “Our students have access to advanced curriculums steeped in faith-based principles, but without diversity in our school community, they wouldn’t gain a true-life experience. By populating our student body with diversity, be it ability, culture, or socio-economic background, each individual student acquires experiences they may not have otherwise.”

Raising Awareness One Step at a Time

As October is recognized across the Bay State as Down Syndrome Awareness Month (so proclaimed by Governor Charles D. Baker), Abigail challenged her schoolmates to fundraise for the largest statewide support organization, the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (MDSC) which will this weekend host its 20th Annual Buddy Walk at Lake Quannapowitt in Wakefield, MA. Abigail’s “Buck for your Buddy” program collected more than $ 850.00 which will go directly towards MDSC support programs.

The MDSC’s Buddy Walk brings together families from across Massachusetts as well as Southern New Hampshire, for a one-day celebration of more than 2,500 participants. This year, John Tucker, rapper and star of the Emmy award- winning A&E reality television series Born This Way, will host the after-walk festivities.

To show appreciation for her school community, Abigail, who will captain Team Abby’s Cadabbies for the 12th consecutive year at the MDSC Buddy Walk, delivered treat bags and gifts to students and faculty at the school. Adorned with the colors of blue and yellow, awareness colors of Down syndrome, Abigail also randomly selected one student at 21 minutes past every school hour (21st chromosome) to win a special prize. Come Sunday, as New England Patriots’ Tom Brady returns to the football field, Abigail will lace up her sneakers to again lead her team for the 3-mile trek around Lake Quannapowitt. Her mission: to further raise awareness that Down syndrome is only a medical diagnosis and not a measure of a person’s abilities, a message she reinforces each and every day as a student at St. Augustine School.

“We were thrilled that Abby was able to be “Principal for the Day” during the month of October, when she could not only educate her schoolmates about Down syndrome, but positively impact the efforts of the MDSC,” said Anthony Agudelo, Abigail’s father. “Her academic path was not always so positive as inclusion has long been a challenge for many schools and districts. We feel incredibly fortunate that St. Augustine’s looked at our daughter as an opportunity rather than a challenge. That way of thinking has positively changed Abby’s academic trajectory, and all of our lives, for the better.”

About Saint Augustine School Andover

Founded in 1914 by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, Saint Augustine School (26 Central Street Andover, Mass.) provides a high-quality Catholic education to children Nursery through Grade 8 within an environment supporting, encouraging and nurturing spiritual, intellectual, social and personal growth. St. Augustine School celebrates its strong Catholic identity, promotes academic excellence and fosters respect and justice for all individuals. Through its dedicated group of educators committed to teaching and learning in the Catholic tradition, St. Augustine School recognizes the unique gifts in each child and remains committed to helping each child reach their full academic, social and physical potential. For more information visit St. Augustine School at: www.edline.net/pages/staugustineandover.