The Shournagh McWeeney Fund
Donations can also be dropped off or mailed to school (VI Montessori School, 6936 Vessup Lane, STT 00802)
Photo credits Karen Gauriloff
Ms. McWeeney - strongest supporter of her VI Montessori Children marching down main street at the Children’s parade.
Shournagh McWeeney Fund
Thank you to our donors!
The Helton Family: Tabor, Susan and Greg ~ The Schlesinger Bartsch Family: Kathy, Robert, Ali and Axel ~ Nina Schafer ~ The Hunt Gauriloff Family: Harry, Peggy and Karen ~
The Helton Family: Tabor, Susan and Greg ~ The Schlesinger Bartsch Family: Kathy, Robert, Ali and Axel ~ Nina Schafer ~ The Hunt Gauriloff Family: Harry, Peggy and Karen ~
~ Kestor McWeeney ~ Norma Bolinger ~ Kathy & Kenny Huttel ~ The Michael Bornn Family ~ Richard von Maur ~ The Brad Kappel Family ~ Vahda Rajaratnam ~ Sherrie Davis ~ Pablo Medina ~ Barbara Pratt ~
~ Kestor McWeeney ~ Norma Bolinger ~ Kathy & Kenny Huttel ~ The Michael Bornn Family ~ Richard von Maur ~ The Brad Kappel Family ~ Vahda Rajaratnam ~ Sherrie Davis ~ Pablo Medina ~ Barbara Pratt ~
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Ms. McWeeney guided the VI Montessori School for over 35 years. There is simply not enough to be said about her passion and tireless effort to build the quality school and community of "Montessori," as it is still known to most islanders. Her lifelong dedication to the children of the Virgin Islands has given her a home in the hearts of thousands.
How will the money be used?
The Ms. McWeeney Reading Bench
The Ms. McWeeney Reading Bench will be cast in bronze with a plague along the back similar to the rendering shown here. OUr goal is to install the bench and create a beautiful garden surrounding it.
To forever remind us of the solid foundation created by Ms. McWeeney's decades of service and passion for her students, and to give a hats off to her love of reading, we have chosen a beautiful bronze bench that has books for legs and a representation of Ms. McWeeney sitting on the left, as the installation that will honor her memory. For generations to come, The Ms. McWeeney Reading Bench will be an inviting place for students of all ages to enjoy their favorite book.
The Shournagh McWeeney Education for Life Fund
Whole school photo taken by Don Hebert circa 2003
To forever benefit the children of the Virgin Islands who she loved so much, we rename our VIMSIA financial aid program to The Shournagh McWeeney Education for Life Fund. This fund in Ms. McWeeney's name will extend aid for families that need financial assistance to attend VIMSIA. Ms. McWeeney believed very strongly in Maria Montessori's and subsequently our school's philosophy, "Education for Life". She would be so pleased to know that contributions in her name were helping young Virgin Islanders receive an education for peace.
We estimate the first $18,000 will go towards having the bronze bench procured and installed on campus. Proceeds in excess of $18,000 will be included in The Shournagh McWeeney Education for Life Fund.
Other ways to support these efforts and honor Ms. McWeeney
Buy a Montessori House T-Shirt - these were favorites of Ms. McWeeney and worn for every field trip! Proceeds will go to the Shournagh McWeeney Fund.
SHARE SHARE SHARE! Please share this page with everyone that you think will want to show their love for this amazing educational legend - our Virgin Islands Irish Gem, Ms. Shournagh McWeeney.
If you are an alum, please join #MontessoriMassive - the alumni facebook group. Allison Bourne-Vanneck has been our fearless leader for this effort.
Tributes and articles
Montessori reunion pays homage to McWeeney, school's longtime director - The Daily News 4/19/23
Montessori Reunion Pays Tribute to Longtime and Beloved Director - The St. Thomas Source , Alum Allison Bourne-Vanneck 4/19/23
Mc-Queen-y: As we gather to say goodbye to our fearless leader, I wanted to take a moment and share some thoughts about this amazing woman. Much love to my VIMSIA family and all my muchachies from the Domes at the Top of the Hill. ~ Former VIMS Teacher, Mariel Blake 4/18/23
