During the summer of 1958 my parents received a letter saying I had passed the 11 plus exams and would be attending Airdrie Academy. I was thrilled and excited. I had never worn a school uniform before and was so proud wearing my blue blazer with my Airdrie Academy badge. To start school my parents bought me a leather briefcase and a fountain pen both of which I treasured all through my years at Airdrie Academy.

I loved everything about Airdrie Academy. Changing classes, new teachers for every subject. Making new friends, studying hard and doing lots of homework. I grew up loving to learn something new every day.






We had religious services three times a week held in the beautiful domed assembly hall. We would stand to sing the hymns and then sit down on the floor to hear announcements. No seats the students all sat on the floor. The girls and boys had separate play grounds each on either side of the dome.

The lunch room was divided in two half hours sittings. One week we would go early the next late. We would buy a weeks dinner tickets on Monday. Eight to a table. The food was delicious too. If we did not play outside during lunch time we could go to our home room which was decided on our 'house'. I was in Faskine house.

I loved Science, History, Geography, Shorthand, Typing. Hated algebra but loved basic math. I learned to cook and clean in the Domestic Science class and learned to sew on a Singer Sewing Treadle Machine.

In French class we were all given a French pen pal to write to. One of our lessons was to make a leaflet or small brochure in French. I choose to make a small magazine including advertisements. I had fun making it and actually won first place. I wish I still had the French dictionary I won.

The only thing I could not master was art! I was just hopeless. The art teacher would help me all the time and even had me model for the class. He knew I did the best I but when it came to exams I did not excel no matter how hard I tried. My best friend could draw anything. She was a natural artist. She would enter art competitions and most of the time she won many art awards. In her adult life she became an art teacher and still teaches folks all ages and all skills.

The memory that is always with me is a Science Exam. Everyone Afterwards everyone said it was so hard. I did not think so. When the results came back we were told something had gone wrong with the exam. I was the only person who passed. Shockingly I was sent to the rectors office and told I must have cheated somehow. I was so angry and upset as I knew I did not. They could not understand how I knew the answers. Finally I told the rector to ask me any question. He did and I answered correctly. I was never given an apology and never did understand why all the other students failed. I just know that I studied hard and passed the exam on my own merit.

As I said I loved Science but the teacher did not like me for some reason. Once while using a pipette we had to suck up liquid and were told to be careful. If we were not we would get a bitter taste. I was so careful but the teacher slapped my back and I drew a deep breath and of course swallowed the nasty taste. Another time he kicked the stool as I was about to sit on it and I fell on the floor with my skirt flying up. I was so embarrassed. I never reported him. He started attended my Church and dating the gym teacher. (She was so nice and wondered what she thought of him. Being 12 years old I always thought she should be with someone else! I wonder if they ended up together !!)







I remember the famous spaghetti dinner with television personalities coming to the school. The students were asked to make a circular drawing representing any foreign country. These were used to decorate the walls around the assembly hall. Seeing the celebrities up on the stage eating spaghetti was so much fun.

I will be forever grateful for Ballroom and Scottish Country dancing lessons in PT. I was a natural. The girls were walked along the quadrangle to the boys gym for lessons. On the night of my first school dance I was allowed to wear my mothers lipstick. In 1958 the girls wore ankle socks and flat shoes. No nylons or heels then. Never even entered our minds to wear any kind of make up either. We did not have a ball or a prom. No ball gowns, special dresses or tuxedos. We wore the nicest clothes we had. I did not like the fact that we had to wait for the boys to ask us to dance. We had only one ladies choice dance.

During gym class the girls would practice field hockey on the sports grounds behind the school. I remember being embarrassed wearing our 'navy blue knickers' and wondering if any boys in classes could see us out there.ha! ha!

Before sports day, everyone during gym class, would practice running, long jump. high jump, hurdles etc. The ones who were the best were picked to participate in Sports Day. We all belonged to different 'houses' depending on your last name and would compete against each other houses. i remember one year at the end of sports day the public was invited to watch pupils from Airdrie Academy dancing Scottish Country Dancing all around the sports field. It was amazing. Hundreds of pupils were involved and we had a great turn out.

At the end of my time at Airdrie Academy there was talk of a summer uniform. Instead of the grey wool skirt we would have a blue cotton skirt. This new summer uniform went into effect after I had left school. I tried to buy a school badge a few years ago only to be told the badge is now part of the blazer. A lovely woman, former student whose own children now attends Airdrie Academy sent me a blazer. She refused to let me purchase it. That blazer is now a treasured item in my home.

I remember voting for our choice of prefects. I would attend their meeting, listen to each and every one telling us how their thoughts and then voted on the one I thought the best for the position.
















I joined the choir, participated in school functions and clubs. I would volunteer to help when needed. I have lovely memories and am so proud to be a former pupil of Airdrie Academy.

When I left school we had no graduation ceremony, no cap and gown, etc. On our last day certificates were given out to the top three students in each class. Special certificates for the Dux of the school, sports participation and various other awards. So I left school and started full time employment the next week.

Here is a little bit about myself.

After leaving school I worked in book-keeping, payroll, inventory control, statistics, etc. Most of my jobs as you can see involved math which I loved. I became Office Manager and eventually taught new employees. Seven years before I retired I changed course and took a new position as a Pharmacy Technician. Another job I loved.










I was married in 1965 and moved to Upstate New York in 1968. We have made a good life for ourselves, are now American Citizens and volunteer as an Election Inspector.


In 2015 I went back to Scotland and visited Airdrie Academy. Of course, my old school building is now gone as is Alexandra Primary School. They no longer have the 11 plus exam and Airdrie Academy is now non-denominational. Airdrie Central School where my brother and sister attended is also gone. (I will voice my opinion here saying that I loved the architecture of the Airdrie Academy I attended and do not like the building)


Hope you love my memories.