Ballymena pupils celebrate inspirational educators in ‘Treat Your Teacher’ competition!

Teachers across Ballymena have been celebrated in heartfelt style this week as pupils honoured their favourite educators through the annual ‘Treat Your Teacher’ competition, organised by Ballymena Business Improvement District (BID).

Over the course of two days, BID representatives surprised local teachers with thoughtful gifts, flowers and public recognition in their classrooms — all thanks to glowing nominations from grateful pupils who had shared letters, poems and emails about the special impact their teachers had made.

Ballymena BID Manager Emma McCrea and Business Engagement Officer Clare Moore visited primary schools throughout the borough to present each winning teacher with a Ballymena Gift Card and a bouquet from local florist Milson & Berry.

“It’s one of the most joyful things we do all year,” said Emma McCrea. “The entries were absolutely fantastic, full of love and appreciation for the amazing work our teachers do every day.”

This year’s honoured educators were:

• Mr Church and Mrs Anderson, Carniny Primary School — nominated by Hannah Keenan and Callan Kirkwood

• Miss Hegarty, Kells & Connor PS — nominated by Aryia Reid

• Miss D Gillespie, Castle Tower School — nominated by Harry McMullan

• Mrs Henry, Ballymena Primary — nominated by Aria Elliot-Blair

• Miss Lindsay, Kirkinriola PS — nominated by Alice Hilton

• Mrs Anderson, Broughshane PS — nominated by Will Craig

• Miss Montgomery, Hazelbank PS — nominated by Tara McVeigh

• Miss Kane, Ballykeel PS — nominated by Blake McSharry

• Mrs McMullan, Carnaghts PS — nominated by Bobby Murray

Each teacher was surprised in front of their class, receiving warm applause and plenty of smiles from delighted pupils.

The competition not only highlights the immense contribution of local educators but also serves to engage young people in the value of supporting their community. By connecting children to local businesses through the Ballymena Gift Card, BID aims to promote civic pride and economic sustainability from an early age.

“Teachers shape futures every day, often without realising just how valued they are. It’s our honour to help highlight that,” added Clare Moore.

The initiative also serves as a timely reminder for families that the Ballymena Gift Card is an ideal end-of-term gift — flexible, meaningful, and a direct way to support local retailers and services. Gift cards can be purchased at the kiosk in Tower Centre or online at ballymenagiftcard.co.uk.

With more than 80 touching entries received this year, the ‘Treat Your Teacher’ competition has once again affirmed the strength of the bond between pupils and teachers — and the deep appreciation felt throughout the Ballymena community.

For further information or to purchase a Ballymena Gift Card, visit: ballymenagiftcard.co.uk

Organised by: Ballymena Business Improvement District (BID)