Ballymena BID helps pupils honour inspirational teachers and say thank you for another school year

With another school year now at an end, ten teachers and school staff from across the Ballymena area have been recognised after hundreds of local pupils nominated the people who made the biggest difference to their lives in the classroom.

The winners of Ballymena BID’s popular ‘Treat Your Teacher’ competition were announced following an overwhelming response from families, with children sharing heartfelt stories of kindness, encouragement, patience and support shown throughout the year.

Each winner received a Ballymena Gift Card, redeemable in more than 100 town centre businesses, along with a bouquet of flowers as a thank you for their dedication.

Ten local teachers and school staff recognised

This year’s winners are:

Mrs Parr, Kirkinriola Primary School – nominated by Sadie Craig

Mrs Adams, Kirkinriola Primary School – nominated by Alyx Kennedy

Mrs Cafferty, Broughshane Primary School – nominated by Molly and Will Craig

Mrs Gray, Camphill Primary School – nominated by Bee Hanvey

Mr Kernohan, Camphill Primary School – nominated by Abram Mitchell

Mr Fisher, Carniny Primary School – nominated by Eva Bailie, Miss Crawford, Carniny Primary School – nominated by Lilly Bailie and Sadie Weir, and Mrs Fletcher, Carniny Primary School – nominated by Ava Russell.

Miss McGarry, St Comgall’s Primary School – nominated by Jonah Murtagh

Sarah McGarry, St Brigid’s Primary School – nominated by Emily Hammond

Hundreds of nominations celebrate everyday impact

Organisers said hundreds of nominations were submitted by pupils from schools across the Ballymena area, highlighting the lasting impact teachers, classroom assistants and support staff have on children’s education and wellbeing.

The entries described educators who had gone above and beyond, offering encouragement, building confidence and helping pupils overcome challenges throughout the academic year.

While only ten winners could be selected, organisers said every nomination reflected the gratitude felt by children and their families for the commitment shown by school staff every day.

Supporting local businesses too

As well as recognising outstanding school staff, the initiative also encouraged people to support Ballymena’s town centre through the Ballymena Gift Card scheme.

The cards can be spent in more than 100 local businesses, helping to keep money circulating within the local economy while giving recipients the freedom to choose where they shop.

Summer celebrations ahead

With schools now closed for the summer holidays, Ballymena is preparing for a packed programme of family events as the town continues its Ballymena 400 celebrations.

Families can look forward to Super Fun Fridays, Adventure Quests and a range of activities taking place across the town over the coming weeks.

For now, however, the focus remains on the teachers, classroom assistants and school staff whose dedication has helped shape another school year—and on the pupils who took the time to say thank you.