Story: Muneebah Waheed
Head teacher of local school, Firs Hill, has been awarded with an OBE for services to education, as part of the Queen's Birthday Honours.
Dina Martin, who has worked at Firs Hill Primary for 10 years, spoke to the Messenger about her achievement and how the Honour can be attributed to her work at the school.
“I’ve been in Sheffield since 1988 and I absolutely adore it. Although this is my third headship, I think the OBE is for my work here at Firs Hill.”
Dina's work at Firs Hill has helped to raise the school from the special measures which were enforced on the school in 2002.
“I believe that we should always empower and believe in pupils and provide them with genuine trust and honesty to make them successful”.
Dina also contributes heavily to the local community and has fundraised for disadvantaged women. In 2007, Dina visited Azad Kashmir to help students with their education.
“My ethos has always been sharing what we do and this was a prime example. I believe that by helping others, it will truly contribute to the greater good.”
Pupils have shown support for their headteacher by researching the OBE. Firs Hill student Abdulwahab told the Messenger,
“OBE means the Order of the British Empire. Ms Martin has earned it because she gets us all to do our work.”
Another pupil, Asim, said,
“You get an OBE if you are great at something. I would like to be an engineer and get an OBE.”
Dina spoke of her disbelief on gaining the award, saying
“It was an absolute shock! I couldn’t sleep all night, as I felt I didn’t deserve it!”
Dina has worked passionately to help Firs Hill achieve its respected community standing and she has provided the community with stability in leadership.
Congratulations Dina Martin on the OBE!