The Shournagh McWeeney Fund

Smiling elderly woman wearing a blue hat with a green ribbon, holding colorful ribbon wands, at an outdoor celebration with other women in the background.

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.

Donations can also be dropped off or mailed to school.

The Shournagh McWeeney

Education for Life Fund

Group photo of children and adults outdoors in front of a playground structure with colorful roofs surrounded by green trees, during daytime.

To honor Shournagh McWeeney and her lifelong love for the children of the Virgin Islands, VIMSIA has renamed its financial aid program the Shournagh McWeeney Education for Life Fund.

This fund extends financial assistance to families who need support to attend VIMSIA, continuing Ms. McWeeney’s deep belief in Maria Montessori’s philosophy of “Education for Life.” She would be proud to know that contributions made in her name are helping young Virgin Islanders receive an education for peace.

The first $18,000 raised went toward procuring and installing a bronze bench on campus in her honor. All proceeds beyond $18,000 will directly support the Shournagh McWeeney Education for Life Fund, ensuring her legacy continues to enrich the lives of students for generations to come.

The Ms. McWeeney Reading Bench

Bronze sculpture of a young girl sitting on a bench, reading a book, with books forming the legs of the bench. A wooden plaque on the bench reads, 'Ms. McWeeney Reading Bench. "The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind" - Maria Montessori.'

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.

Children gathered around a statue of a young girl reading a book outdoors.
Two women hugging at an outdoor gathering, with other people in the background.
Two men are looking at a photo album at a social gathering, with other people talking and sitting in the background.
An elderly couple dressed in blue shirts is standing close together, reading a document at a social gathering. The woman is holding a wine glass, and the man is wearing a red cap and also holding a wine glass. In the background, there are people sitt
Two women, one with gray hair and wearing a blue shirt, and the other with short dark hair and wearing a black shirt, leaning close together while watching a group of people speaking at an event.
A group of diverse people smiling, holding hands, and wearing blue T-shirts with 'Almonte School' printed on them, standing outdoors at a school event or gathering.
A smiling young man holding a microphone, walking on a stage with a small girl, another woman standing in the background, in a venue with wooden beams and black curtains.
A woman holding a young child at a table with various food platters, engaging in conversation with an elderly woman at an outdoor gathering.
A man and a young boy holding hands and walking along a wooden path outside a small building, surrounded by greenery and outdoor furniture.
Group of people engaging in conversation in an outdoor setting with a colorful mural in the background.
A man and a woman having a conversation at a social gathering, with multiple people sitting and standing in the background in an outdoor setting.
Two women and a young boy standing in a room with wooden ceiling beams, engaging in conversation using a smartphone and a notepad, with a whiteboard in the background.
Group of people at a registration or informational event, with a whiteboard displaying a handwritten message about using a car memory.
A diverse group of people sitting on tiered concrete seating, attending an outdoor event. The background features a colorful mural with a lizard, tropical plants, flowers, and a waterfall.
Group of young girls and women standing on a stage, reading from papers, with a black curtain background, during a presentation or performance.
A group of young students in blue t-shirts playing musical instruments. Some are playing xylophones, while others are holding percussion instruments and playing drums in the background, on a stage with a black curtain behind them.
Two men are looking at a photo album at a social gathering, with other people talking and sitting in the background.
An elderly woman holding a young child with curly hair, wearing a green outfit, in a vibrant indoor setting with a colorful mural background.
Group of five smiling women and one man gathered around a table at a social event, with some holding drinks. Background features colorful wall art and other people.
A man smiling while holding a small child in his arms. They are both looking at the camera. The man is wearing a blue T-shirt and sunglasses, and the child is wearing a green T-shirt.
A group of people at an outdoor event, smiling and talking, with some seated and others standing, including a woman in a blue T-shirt with a school logo and a man in a blue shirt.
Two smiling women sitting together, one wearing a colorful tie-dye shirt and the other in a white dress with a large pink sunhat, holding a photo album showing a group picture.
Group of friends hugging and socializing at a casual outdoor gathering, with some holding drinks and relaxing, in a colorful and lively setting.
Four women gathered around a table looking at photographs or papers, with photo albums and pictures on the table, indoors with dark background.
Two women, one older with white hair and the other younger with blonde hair, wearing blue shirts, watching a woman on a video call or presentation projected on a screen.
A diverse group of people gathered at a social event, engaging in conversation, with some holding drinks. The background features a mural of a vibrant, tropical scene.
Two women standing and smiling while talking to an older woman sitting down at an outdoor event.
People participating in a group hug or prayer circle, with arms around each other's shoulders, wearing casual clothing and gathered indoors or at an event.
Group of diverse people smiling and celebrating together outdoors, some with their arms around each other, at a social gathering or event.
People looking at a photo album or scrapbook together at an indoor event, with two women and one man visible from behind.

Thank you to our donors!

The Helton Family: Tabor, Susan and Greg

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The Hunt Gauriloff Family: Harry, Peggy and Karen

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Nina Schafer

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The Schlesinger Bartsch Family: Kathy, Robert, Ali and Axel

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The Helton Family: Tabor, Susan and Greg 〰️ The Hunt Gauriloff Family: Harry, Peggy and Karen 〰️ Nina Schafer 〰️ The Schlesinger Bartsch Family: Kathy, Robert, Ali and Axel 〰️

Kestor McWeeney

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Barbara Pratt

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Pablo Medina

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Sherrie Davis

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Vahda Rajaratnam

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The Brad Kappel Family

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Richard von Maur

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The Michael Bornn Family

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Kathy & Kenny Huttel

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Norma Bolinger

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Kestor McWeeney 〰️ Barbara Pratt 〰️ Pablo Medina 〰️ Sherrie Davis 〰️ Vahda Rajaratnam 〰️ The Brad Kappel Family 〰️ Richard von Maur 〰️ The Michael Bornn Family 〰️ Kathy & Kenny Huttel 〰️ Norma Bolinger 〰️

Other ways to support these efforts and honor Ms. McWeeney

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.

A smiling woman with dark curly hair taking a selfie, wearing a blue T-shirt that says 'Ti. Monte School' with a graphic of a house, boat, and trees, in a room with blurred background.

Tributes and articles

Group of people sitting outdoors during a tribute event for a late director, some clapping and others waving, with a colorful mural in the background.

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