TRIBUTES were paid to Athy pupil Johnpaul Ugwu when cheques totalling €2,138.50 were presented to his school and the Jack and Jill Foundation last week.
The money was raised from the proceeds of the sale of his poetry book My Great Little Book of Poems which John Paul wrote with the assistance of Scoil Mhicil Naofa Home School Liason Deborah Grace.
The young student and his mother Edith didn’t charge for the book but instead asked for donations from those who wanted a copy.
Speaking at the presentation of cheques to the school and to the Jack and Jill Foundation, school principal Moira Liddane paid tribute to Johnpaul and his family.
“Johnpaul went without birthday presents and treats because he wanted to publish his book. He did it with a smile on his face, a smile which we are all very familiar with and love here in the school. His mother helped him and the book was launched here in the school. Many of us were here for that great occasion. And now we are here today for Johnpaul to formally present cheques to his school and to the Jack and Jill Foundation.
“Johnpaul has asked that the money go towards the purchase of games and sports equipment and that is what we have done. We are very proud of Johnpaul and we want to thank him and his family for their efforts.”
Speaking to the Kildare Nationalist at the cheque presentation ceremony Johnpaul’s mother Edith Ugwu thanked several people without whom she said the book wouldn’t have been possible.
“”We are very grateful to family, friends, community members and businesses in Athy and everyone who attended the launch on Johnpaul’s 10th birthday and those who could not attend but sent their donations to us, including those who sent donations from overseas. Thank you so much to the Jack and Jill Foundation, Scoil Mhichil Naofa, Clem Ryan of KFM and his team, Data Print Athy, Bluebird Care and the Kildare Nationalist. The total amount raised was €2,138.50 and we have shared this equally between the Jack and Jill Foundation and Scoil Mhicil Naofa Athy.”
