Heroes traced to Clarendon
Francois van Mazijk
DITCHING their friends to hang out with their sister on her first day of school scored two siblings the Algoa FM and Pick n Pay's "school hero of the day" last Tuesday.
The Clarendon Park Primary pupils, Keagan and Daniella van Rooyen, were overwhelmed at the surprise that awaited them yesterday morning when Daron Mann from the morning show on Algoa FM "busted" into the morning assembly to announce that they had won.
Pick n Pay in partnership with Algoa FM are now introducing a week to honour the efforts of these brave, courageous, committed young leaders in Pick n Pay Schools Club schools around the country.
Algoa FM has been calling for entries over the last two weeks, encouraging listeners to nominate a pupil in school who makes a difference, inspiring or motivating others.
Five have been chosen from schools around the region and will be recognised and rewarded this week in front of their peers, in the form of an assembly bust. The bust team from Algoa FM will invade the school assembly and highlight these young heroes live on air during the Breakfast Show with Daron Mann.
They won the award for deciding that on their sister's first day of school in Grade One, they would give up their breaks between classes in order to spend time with her and show her around the new school and make sure she is comfortable in her new school.
Gabriella who is wheelchair-bound, has symptoms of congenital muscular dystrophy but is showing signs of improvement.
Their mother, Debbie van Rooyen, said; "We were shocked when we heard Keagan and Daniella won the award, we had no idea that they had even been entered into a competition.
"We are very proud of all our children, they support each other through whatever comes their way.
"They were a bit overwhelmed by the entire proceeding, but they very glad their efforts were recognised.
"For Keagan and Daniella it's second nature, that's just how they show their love and appreciation for Gabriella. It was a big thing for them, you know, to be in the limelight, they were a bit shocked but very happy about it."
Gabi's condition is improving and she is getting stronger. Because of this, the family has taken her for a biopsy, and is awaiting further test results.
Her physiotherapists Nicky Roote and Sandra Evans, a neural developmental physiotherapist , said: "She is such a brave little thing, her whole family is very involved with her. When she comes for physiotherapy her brother and sister actually join in and take part, when they are not in school."
Sandy Murry, a Grade One teacher at Claredon Primary, said: "She has such a lovely personality, she is wonderful, her whole family is always looking out for her. It is a real pleasure to have her in class."
Symptoms of muscular dystrophy could be diagnosed at birth, or in the first couple of months. The disease is an inherited disorder.
Gabi has a website www.go-gabi.co.za