Two Peas in a Purple Pod

Goulds Elementary
Goulds, NL

Donna Dalton always knew she wanted to teach children with exceptionalities. Over her 30-year career, she has changed many children’s lives — Lilly McDonald’s most of all.

Lilly has Down syndrome, but Ms. Dalton never let that stop her from being a part of everything (and we mean everything!) at Goulds Elementary. Lilly wanted to sing in the school choir, so Ms. Dalton made it happen. Lilly wanted to be a kindergarten prefect, so she was, with Ms. Dalton by her side. Lilly wanted to play on the school basketball team, so Ms. Dalton joined the coaching staff. Lilly even played in the provincial tournament and, according to reports, has a “deadly shot.”

For six years, Ms. Dalton and Lilly were two peas in a pod — a purple pod, because Ms. Dalton loves purple! With her sense of humour and colourful personality, Ms. Dalton helped Lilly overcome her fears and embrace the joy of learning. Her singular teaching style made her one of the most beloved teachers to ever walk – or, more likely, dance — through the halls of Goulds Elementary.

Lilly has moved on to junior high now, but Ms. Dalton will always be her person. And that feeling goes both ways.