Grange Academy’s Chris Smith visited Buckingham Palace with his family recently to receive an MBE from Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal.
The school’s resident Maths geek received an MBE in His Royal Highness, The King’s New Year honours for services to Mathematics Education and to the community of East Ayrshire.
His wife Elaine, who is also a teacher at Grange Campus and his three children – Daisy, Heidi and Logan – were present in the throne room for his Investiture service. It was an unforgettable day for the whole family.
Chris Smith said:
“The lavish, luxurious surroundings were a whole new world to a wee Scottish guy who has lived in Newmilns all his life. The tradition and etiquette of the occasion was also in stark contrast to the lively, informality of my classroom! But the Palace staff were wonderful, making all the recipients and their guests feel like VIPs.
“The whole day was unforgettable and I’m bursting with gratitude for the love and support of my family, friends and colleagues, for the never-ending commitment to my Mathematical antics from East Ayrshire Council and for the incredible efforts of Professor Adam McBride and Jamie Davidson who masterminded my nomination for this award.”
The Investiture came at the end of an extremely busy Maths month for Mr Smith who, with fellow East Ayrshire maths teacher James Burns, helped to organise the Enterprising Maths in Scotland National Final at Glasgow’s Science Centre. The event, which is sponsored by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries, saw some of the top S3/4 Mathematicians from across Scotland participate in the tough competition. East Ayrshire was represented by The Robert Burns Academy who placed a very respectable seventh overall.
Mr Smith also headed down under for the Mathematical Association of Western Australia annual conference, attended by over 450 teachers; delivering a keynote speech and two workshops over the two day conference.
Councillor Elaine Cowan, Spokesperson for Education, and Children and Young People said:
“I would like to offer congratulations to Chris Smith on his MBE. His enthusiasm and commitment to all things Maths, even lead him to present Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal with a copy his Maths newsletter at his Investiture. It is no surprise that he was recognised with such an Honour.
“I also know that his enthusiasm and drive to inspire young people to enjoy Maths will have had quite an impact on the teachers attending Mathematical Association of Western Australia annual conference. What a wonderful opportunity to share best practice.”
