Academy bids fond farewell to Barbara

Barbara McCord (centre), who retired as a Maths teachers from Ballymena Academy, is pictured receiving gifts from Karen Johnston (Vice-chair Board of Governors), Jane Allen (secretary Board of Governors), James McKerville (Chair Board of Governors) and Stephen Black (Principal). Barbara has had a 51 year association with the school, both as student and teacher. INBT28-202AC

The end of the school year last week saw staff and pupils bid farewell to Mrs. Barbara McCord, who will begin her well-earned retirement from September.

This will bring to an end an association with Ballymena Academy stretching back to September 1965!

Mrs. McCord studied at Ballymena Academy between 1965 and 1972, and was taught at first in the old Thomas Street school just off the town centre and latterly at the Galgorm Road site.

After teaching in Dunclug and Cambridge House Girls’ School she returned to the Maths Department in Ballymena Academy in January 1989, to cover a maternity leave.

There followed part time work and a job share at the Academy before Mrs. McCord was appointed as a full time, permanent member of staff in September 2000.

At a reception held in School on Monday afternoon, the Chairman of the Board of Governors, Mr. James McKervill paid tribute to her service to the school and presented Mrs. McCord with gift to mark her retirement.

Headmaster, Mr. Stephen Black added: “Mrs. McCord was a much-valued member of the School and of the Maths Department and she will be missed. We wish her a long, healthy and happy retirement.”