Teacher of the Year: Maria Collier

MARIA COLLIER has been nominated for the Teacher of the Year award, sponsored by HSBC.

She was nominated by student Courteney Benfield for going above and beyond in her work at St Anne’s School in Alderney.

‘Since moving to Alderney four years ago, Maria has made a large impact on the island as it is now,’ she said.

‘As the music teacher at St Anne’s School, the island’s only church organist, an accompanist for the Alderney Voices and chairman of the island band, it is fair to say she is always very busy.

‘When there was lack of interest to take GCSE music, I was not able to take the subject.

‘Despite this, Maria pushed for me to be able to take my GCSE music exam

with lessons from her outside of school and with only one year to learn all the content.’

‘She has encouraged me to revisit music, gave me lessons to take a Grade 5 theory exam with one month’s notice, and now is working with me on my Grade 4 and 6 piano and flute exams.

‘She has opened a world of opportunities including attending a Medical Summer Residential last month, joining the island band and the church choir.’