Presentation of British Empire Medal - Mrs Elizabeth Shannon

 Elizabeth Shannon, was presented with the British Empire Medal by HM Lord- Lieutenant of Ayrshire and Arran, Sheriff Iona McDonald OBE at Ochiltree Primary School, where Mrs Shannon is a Senior Clerical Assistant, on 22nd June 2021.  Mrs Shannon was awarded the British Empire Medal for her services to Education and Sport in East Ayrshire.
The presentation, which followed Covid guidelines, was carried out in the Playground at Ochiltree Primary School, and was filmed and beamed live to all classrooms in the school to ensure that everyone could be part of Mrs Shannon’s special day.
The Lord – Lieutenant said “The unusual venue for the presentation highlights Mrs Shannon’s dedication to the school and the children. She is clearly loved by the children and they are a massive part of her life”
Mrs Shannon said: “Since I was a teenager I have always been involved in working with young people. I was a Brownie Leader. After I was married and had my three sons I became a Beaver Leader. I organised many activities and days out for the children. I encouraged my sons to join local clubs and became involved with them. I ran Doon Valley Swimming Club for a wee while until I had to give up through illness.
“The afterschool swimming club was the biggest and most successful of any of the clubs I ran. It was set up originally to raise awareness of water safety and the importance of being able to swim.
“Originally, the club was only for pupils from P4-7 and very few could swim lengths of the pool. It is fair to say that the club has gone from strength to strength and as the swimmers progressed and further pool time secured, pupils from P1-3 were also allocated places. Due to the depth of Auchinleck Pool P1 was added in as a Parent/child class. This was very successful and soon I felt confident to offer places to pre-school children and babies, although these too were parent/child classes. As our swimmers got older and became competent swimmers, gradually they replaced the parents in the water, once they had passed the necessary qualifications.
“The success of this club is based largely on team work and the willingness of parents and older pupils to work with me and gain the necessary qualifications become swimming teachers and lifeguards. Their hard work and dedication was second to none. This was a great team effort with me leading the way. Their belief in my ability to organise and develop the club has been amazing. Fantastic teamwork. The parents and children of Ochiltree Primary School have helped and supported me through some very difficult times, such as illness, trauma and bereavements.