Sally Johnston becomes BEM
Warmest congratulations to Kilkeel parishioner Sally Johnston, who has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the New Year’s Honours List. The award is for services to education and to the community in County Down.
Sally held a senior administrative role in Banbridge Academy for 27 years and was personal assistant to two Principals - Mr Raymond Pollock OBE for 18 years and Mr Robin McLoughlin OBE for almost 9. For over 20 years she has been Honorary Secretary to the Select Vestry in Christ Church Kilkeel and also serves on the Diocesan Council. Sally was recently appointed Branch Secretary for the local Royal British Legion.
The arrival of the letter from the Cabinet Office was a totally unexpected but lovely surprise for the Johnston household.
“The timing of this award was particularly special as my son is home from Australia for Christmas, so I was able to tell the whole family together in the one room, which was very special.
“I am completely humbled by the number of messages of congratulations from those I know and many I don’t! Obviously, I am completely overwhelmed to be honoured in such a special way for doing a job I loved but I’m delighted and looking forward to the presentation by the Lord Lieutenant and a Royal Garden Party at some stage in the next six months.”