Droitwich school pupils design penguin sculpture in memory of former school governor

Jill Wheeler was a part of St Peter’s Church of England Academy for over 21 years

Jill Wheeler was a school governor at St Peter’s Droitwich Church of England Academy for more than 21 years
Author: Elliot BurrowPublished 10th Jun 2024

The daughter of a former school governor says a mini penguin sculpture designed in memory of her mum is 'perfect'.

Jill Wheeler was part of the St Peter’s Droitwich Church of England Academy school community for more than 21 years, until she passed away last May.

Pupils at the school have now designed a penguin chick sculpture inspired by the theme of Jill's love for butterflies, and will feature in the Waddle of Worcester art display arriving in July.

Her daughter Nikki says it'll be nice to see it on display in the public art trail this summer.

"My mum loved art trails," she said.

"We did them all around the country from Exeter when I was a student, to the ones in Southampton and Winchester where my aunt and uncle live, so literally anyone we could go to, we went.

"She absolutely loved being a school governor, she'd been a teacher throughout her working career, and when she was taken sick and retired from working, she took up a role as a governor, which meant everything to her.

"When we came into the school and we saw all the wonderful unique butterflies that were all over it, it was just staggering and beautiful."

40 large penguins will go on display for eight weeks in the city, alongside 40 chicks designed by local schools and community groups.

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