DUP MLA goes back to school!

As a former pupil of the school, Mr McQuillan told those in attendance that it was a ‘strange feeling’ returning to his old school after almost 30 years.

He congratulated the School on their ‘excellent’ exam results and praised the teachers for their dedication to the students.

The MLA said: “ I feel that this School is a vital part of our community.

“From the caretaker to the head teacher and all in between, the hard work that they put in has to be noted.

“Garvagh High School is a caring and vibrant place to learn, where every child is treated fairly. We all have to work together to keep it going from strength to strength.

“I will keep on lobbying to try and secure funding so that the school can build on what it has achieved so far.”

Mr McQuillan went on to say that when his son Adam was a pupil at the school, he became the third generation of McQuillan’s to attend the school: “I am proud to say that when my son Adam attended here.

“I went to this school, and so did some of my staff, so Garvagh High School has been an asset to me, my family and my offices.

“I am very proud to say that I have the great pleasure in knowing most of the families that are connected with the school. I was delighted when I was invited to see Lyndsey Whiteside playing football in Belfast for the NI school girls.”

And the MLA had a bit of advice for the pupils: “ I have been involved in politics since 2001. I was elected as an MLA in 2007 and I sit on the Finance and Personnel Committee and Public Accounts Committee at Stormont.

“I have a major interest in planning and community development. I enjoy my job, although I don’t get much time off, but if you really want to do your dream job when you leave school just go for it, and remember the secure grounding that you received during your time at this school. It will stand you in good stead for the future.”