When it comes to school educators are often remembered and beloved for their years of service and contributions to the city.
In 1959, Lloydminster had an ambitious teacher who came to start a school. It wasn’t just any school she wanted to open a school for people with disabilities. The time was not very forgiving, differences in people were often looked down upon rather than embraced. Jean Doyle O’Neill however embraced the challenge and open a children’s school for students with mental disabilities. O’Neill immigrated from England to Canada in 1957 before coming to Lone Rock in 1958 and working as a teacher.
That same year, O’Neill was hired by a school for students with mental disabilities in Lloydminster.
She was described by her daughter Fiona as a, “woman who greeted challenges enthusiastically and was innovative as a teacher.”
Despite the school moving multiple times O’Neill remained a constant offering, a rich program which incorporated music, art, and physical education. With educational goals twice as lofty, teaching civic responsibility, human relationships, and
self-realization.
“O’Neill ignored the public attitudes of the day and took her students out into the community as often as she could, to playgrounds, out for lunch, or to the gymnasium at the Lloydminster Composite High School twice a week for physical education,” read a quote from a story in the Saskatoon Star Phoenix.
She had always insisted on teaching the students life skills to allow them to live independently in the future. O’Neill and her family moved to B.C. in 1979 where she continued teaching students with disabilities, she was well-loved by her students. O’Neill was a pioneer of special education in Lloyd and her life-long dedication will always be remembered. It’s stories like this that I always find the most inspiring, educators, storytellers, community members who remain wholly committed to their goals.
It’s also people like O’Neill who push boundaries and make positive changes in people’s lives. Her countless students got to enjoy richer schooling because of her passion for those who needed a little more help.
I hope if there’s anything you take from this story it’s to have compassion and help those that may need a little more help. Whether you hold the door for someone to carry someone’s groceries everything counts.
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