Staff Service Celebrations
As part of our Staff Service Celebration, we are proud to recognise two dedicated members of staff whose commitment to education spans an incredible 55 years combined. This year, Mrs Sayers celebrates the beginning of her 30th year in education, while Mrs Aiken marks her 25th year of service. To honour these remarkable milestones, our PR Prefect Team sat down with both colleagues to learn more about their careers, experiences, and reflections. We are delighted to share their stories and celebrate the lasting impact they have made on generations of young people.
Mrs Sayers celebrates 30 years in education
This year, Strabane Academy proudly celebrates Vice-Principal Mrs Sayers and her remarkable 30 years in education.
Mrs Sayers' passion for teaching began in childhood. She would play schools with her younger sister and always take on the role of teacher. She was inspired by her Geography teacher, Mr Parkhill, and studied Geography at Queen's University Belfast before completing her teaching qualifications and beginning a career she believes was always "in her DNA".
During her time at Strabane Academy, she has witnessed many changes, including the move into the current school building. Being involved from the planning stages to seeing pupils and staff finally come together under one roof. This is one of her proudest memories.
What Mrs Sayers enjoys most is working with young people and watching them grow from Year 8 pupils into confident young adults. She values the relationships built along the way, and the privilege of being a part of Strabane Academy student lives.
One moment that particularly stands out is the story of her former pupil Jamie McGuigan, who became a stem cell donor and due to this, helped save a life. For Mrs Sayers, it perfectly reflects the kindness and character she hopes is inspired in every pupil.
If there was one piece of advice that Mrs Sayers would give to pupils today, it would be “Your grades do not define you. Character, resilience, and kindness matter most.”
Congratulations, Mrs Sayers, on thirty outstanding years of dedication, leadership, and contribution to education.
By Jenna, Sophie and Eire.
Mrs Aiken celerates 25 years in education
To celebrate the longevity of our dedicated staff, Mrs Aiken with 25 years and Mrs Sayers with 30 years, the PR team conducted a series of interviews, to get an insight of the inspirations, personal life and the reasons behind their drive to pursue a career in teaching.
Mrs Aiken, Senior teacher for Curriculum Development, was first attracted to the job through a noble aspiration to make a real difference in children’s lives. The idea of helping young people learn truly inspired her deeply, pushing her to gain a degree from Queen's University Belfast and then to complete a PGCE at Coleraine.
After her qualifications, Mrs Aiken found herself right back at the Strabane Academy gates, a school where she had previously attended as a pupil, “it feels like I never left” she explained. When asked about her greatest achievement, she described it as not a typical stellar achievement made by a student she taught, but providing a safe place for struggling children to cry; offering support, advice and a listening ear to anyone who sought to be heard was heart greatest achievement.
“Be prepared to work hard, face challenges and learn from mistakes but always keep pushing forward, even when progress feels slow” was a piece of advice left from Mrs Aiken for all pupils, young and old with the core message to “never give up on yourself.”
25 years is no doubt a long time to stay resolute, Mrs Aiken's motivation derives from the fact that “no two days are ever the same in teaching” facing constant new challenges to keep her sharp on her toes! This milestone within her career is much more significant than the number of years but explains “it is about the relationships I have built, the young people I have had the privilege of teaching and the knowledge that, hopefully, I have made a positive difference to their lives.”
Now for some quickfire fun facts!
Coca Cola or Pepsi?
-Coca cola
Tea, coffee, hot chocolate or matcha?
-Coffee, nothing beats a little lift and the end of the day
Fav colour?
-Blue
To sum up her incredible 25 years in education with one sentence, Mrs Aiken would describe it as “a rewarding journey, filled with ever evolving challenges, but at its heart, remains the privilege of helping young people belong, achieve and aspire.”
By Melissa & Matthew.