Mayor’s praise for retiring principal

Mr Boyd was educated at Ballymena Academy and Queen’s University and although initially employed as an engineer with the Electricity Supply Board in Dublin, was attracted to teaching mathematics which had been a major component of his degree. Following his first teaching post in Coleraine, he transferred to Ballymena Boys’ School where he became Head of Mathematics. Subsequently, he was appointed as Vice Principal in Dunclug High School. In 1996 he was promoted to the post of Headmaster at Cullybackey High School.

In spite of his many years in the teaching profession, the Mayor noted that Mr Boyd had lost none of his enthusiasm and enjoyment of working in education. In conversation both agreed that the future of the Province depends on our youth, so it is imperative that they are nourished and valued and through education are guided into positive paths and rewarding outcomes. Mr Boyd said his greatest pleasure over the years was to have seen so many young people go on to achieve and contribute at the very highest levels.

Mr Boyd has seen many changes in education but the constant factor has always been the influence of the teacher in the classroom and in extra-curricular activities. The quality in terms of their professionalism, knowledge, dedication and love for their vocation has been a delight to witness. Their ability to adjust to ever-changing curricular demands and in particular to the increasing pastoral needs of pupils has been remarkable. He especially mentioned his own good fortune in having worked with very inspirational, dedicated and able colleagues over the years whose influence was fundamental in contributing to his development as a school headmaster.

Mr Boyd also paid tribute to all the school Principals in the Ballymena area for their help and support over the years. A particularly rewarding element of his career in recent years was working with the other post-primary Principals in the Ballymena learning community, a development which witnessed collaboration for the benefit of all pupils in delivering an ever-widening curricular provision and improved social integration. In his retirement Mr Boyd hopes to spend more time with his family, pursue his interests in Advanced Motoring, photography and to continue his life-long interest in rugby. He may perhaps also keep a wary eye on the developing world of education.