Ann McMillan
I was a pupil at Airdrie Academy between 2004 and 2010 - I got three years in the old buildings and three years in the new!
The move to the new school in 2006 was simultaneously exciting and terrifying. I remember running round the old buildings on our last day relishing the opportunity to add graffiti without getting in trouble! I added my name to the A block. I remember the tuck shop in the H block. I remember having to be careful which seat you sat on in case it ripped your tights because so many were chipped and broken.
I have a lot of wonderful memories from my time at school. Miss Abbas (now Mrs Park) ignited a love for music that led me to take up the saxophone.
Friday night band was always brilliant fun! I won North Lanarkshire’s ‘Young Musician of the Year’ competition in my sixth year. I took part in many concerts and shows as part of the school concert band. I still remember how hard the staff in the music department worked on those evenings and how much they supported us.
We did a school show of ‘Les Misérables’ in 2008. I was in fourth year at the time. That was one of the most amazing projects I have ever been a part of. Everything came together so well - the music, the cast, the production was outstanding. I now work alongside drama teacher Mrs McRobbie who helped co-ordinate it all. We talk of it often with great fondness!
In S6 I was appointed Cleddans House Captain, I think it was either Lauren Daley or Megan McLean who were School Captains that year.
The annual trip to the battlefields in Belgium was a huge highlight of my time at Airdrie Academy. It was a fantastic mix of adventure, fun, education, and friendship - everything you wanted in a school trip. I still have all my photos!
This group shot was taken shortly before we took part in the Menin Gate ceremony where the school captains laid a wreath on behalf of Airdrie Academy. It was a very moving experience to be part of. This photograph shows L-R Laura Robertson, Thomas Craine, (me) Ann McMillan and Lesley Murray.
There were definitely a number of memorable teachers from my time at Airdrie Academy. Mrs Baird still talks to me every time she sees me. I recall Mrs Watson with a big smile on my face. I loved Mr Huggins! I would never have passed nor enjoyed Higher Physics without him. I play golf now with Alice Brown! Miss Gilmour was a brilliant PE teacher.
I went back to the school to get some classroom experience whilst I was applying to be a teacher. Mrs Prior was a great help, as were the rest of Social Subjects.
There's so much more I could talk about. I remember my time at school really positively.
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