University School Student Creates Sensory Room at South Central Elementary
A 10th grader from University School, Karrington Knight, designed a sensory room for South Central Elementary students as part of her Girl Scout Gold Award project aimed at helping students manage stress.
Project Background and Purpose
Karrington, 15, was diagnosed with autism at age 3 and faced sensory processing challenges in her early years. With help from occupational therapists and teachers, she learned to control her emotions and now wants to support other students dealing with similar difficulties.
Features of the Sensory Room
The sensory room includes calming lights, various textures, and other elements tailored to help students regulate sensory input and find a secure, soothing environment.
"I want other students with sensory issues like mine to know that someone else understands them and that they are not alone," Karrington said.
Significance of the Girl Scout Gold Award
The Girl Scout Gold Award is a prestigious honor requiring at least 80 hours of work, training, proposal presentations, and a follow-up report, similar in standing to the Boy Scout Eagle Award.
Choice of South Central Elementary
Karrington chose South Central Elementary because of the trauma students experienced during Hurricane Helene and because her mother, Jessica Knight, serves as the school counselor there.
"I was especially drawn to South Central because of the stress and trauma that they endured throughout the floods," Karrington said.
Visuals
- Karrington Knight showcasing the sensory room she created
- Karrington working on the sensory room setup at South Central Elementary
Summary: A young University School student crafted a sensory room to support South Central Elementary students coping with sensory challenges and trauma, combining personal experience and community care.