Visit of Irish President to AntrimGrammar School
On Monday, 22nd February 2010, the school hosted its first visit by a Head of State. The Irish President, Mrs Mary McAleese, and her husband Dr Martin McAleese, arrived amidst a flurry of cameras and security personnel. They were greeted by the Principal, Mr Black, and the Chair of Governors, Mrs Bell. This visit was initiated at the request of the President herself.
After a musical interlude performed by two of our gifted musicians, Mrs McAleese spoke to a student body comprising Years 8, 13 and 14. Her speech was an inspiring elaboration on the theme of “Building Bridges”, during the delivery of which she exhorted her young audience to continue to build bridges of respect and trust across N. Ireland’s historic divisions. Our guest was particularly encouraging to our female pupils, by observing how opportunities for young, gifted women were much more accessible than heretofore. She also spoke several times, in glowing terms, of this “wonderful” school. Mrs McAleese then responded to three questions put to her by senior pupils. The questions were graciously expressed and answered very fully and thoughtfully by this former university teacher of law.
Mrs McAleese and her husband then met a representative group of Governors, staff and pupils before having to leave for her next engagement. Her parting comment – written in the school’s Visitors’ Book - caught the spirit of the occasion very well: “Thank you for welcoming me to such a wonderful, encouraging school community”.