Allied Vehicles' Donation Sets The Stage For Smithycroft Stars

Possilpark-based Allied Vehicles is helping a troupe of youngsters to put their best foot forward by donating £2,500 towards the running of a school’s Dance programme.

Smithycroft Secondary is a high school in Riddrie, in the east end of Glasgow. Due to the area in which they are situated many of the pupils who attend face high levels of deprivation. Despite these challenges, Smithycroft has been able to offer a wide range of sports and extracurricular activities.

The school operates on the values of "We Belong. We Learn. We Achieve." Their aim is to break down barriers for learners and show them there are no limits to their success, offering students lots of opportunities they otherwise may never have.

Smithycroft's dedication to providing a comprehensive educational experience has led to a diverse range of programmes for its students.

Miss Paige Dougan, Smithycroft's recently appointed PE & Dance teacher, is in the process of integrating dance into the school curriculum, working with a talented and highly motivated group who are already making a name for the school's burgeoning programme.

They have recently been successful in auditioning to perform at the Theatre Royal in Glasgow in the 2024 'Go Dance' event and are also competing at two large events in the school calendar in February, namely the Scottish Schools Cheerleading Competition and Glasgow's City of Dance competition. These experiences will allow their pupils to perform on a professional platform and show them that anything is possible when they work hard.

Miss Dougan said,

“As a school we try our best to offer our students lots of opportunities they otherwise may never have. The contribution from the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust will allow these young people to display their talents and have unforgettable experiences while building their confidence and enhancing their future, without placing additional financial pressure on parents and carers.”

David Facenna, Corporate Culture Director of Allied Vehicles, said of the donation,

“When we set up the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust it was our hope and intention that local community initiatives would benefit from it. The time these young kids are at school is so important, and we are immensely proud that we can help Smithycroft High School to elevate these young peoples’ education experience.“