St Joseph's Academy, Kilmarnock | Keynote | BGE Awards Ceremony | Wednesday 20th May 2026
Marie was honoured to be invited to St Joseph’s Academy as keynote speaker for the school’s BGE Awards Ceremony 2026.
Speaking to pupils, teachers and families, Marie shared her entrepreneurial journey, reflecting on the challenges, opportunities and people who helped shape her career. Her message focused on aspiration, resilience and the importance of supporting others to succeed.
The evening celebrated the achievements of pupils across the school, with awards presented throughout the event and the House Cup awarded to St. Francis House. Marie praised the energy and enthusiasm of the young people involved, particularly the pupils who hosted the evening and helped deliver the event.
Following the ceremony, Marie said:
“Very proud to have been your guest speaker and present the Achievement of Success Awards 2026. Such fun and loads of smiles. Big shout out to the fantastic girls who hosted the entire event and kept me right on who got what awards.”
The event reflected the values at the heart of the school community, celebrating faith, social justice and personal growth through the hard work, ambition and achievements of pupils.
NEW for 2026 | 'Statue of Liberty' Kilmarnock, Scotland | International
Scotland | U.S. 250 Anniversary | Education and Enterprise with Scottish North American Business Council, Consulate General of the United States, East Ayrshire Council and Onthank Primary School
An inspiring story of reinstatement, development, history, hope, liberty and celebration – more soon.
We will be providing updates on the project progress here – so watch this space.
Marie returns to former school to deliver inspiring keynote speech
Kilmarnock Academy | Keynote | Annual Prizegiving 3rd June 2025
Marie was invited to her former secondary school, Kilmarnock Academy to deliver the keynote speech to pupils and invited guests at their annual prizegiving with a message of – THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS –“Let Your Heart Sing.“
Click to view a copy of Marie’s speech: https://www.mariemacklin.co.uk/marie-returns-to-former-school-to-deliver-inspiring-keynote/
Champion of the Future as East Ayrshire Schools Ambassador.
June 2024
Educated in Kilmarnock, Scotland and raised in the county of East Ayrshire, Marie has always supported schools where she attended including Onthank Primary and Kilmarnock Academy. Diagnosed with Dyslexia in her 30s, Marie shares openly her struggles at school and talks about how music was her safe place, her ‘poetry’ that provided both hope and aspiration during her adolescence.
As a champion of young people, Marie actively engages with schools across Ayrshire, sharing her entrepreneurial story and helping inspire future generations to overcome barriers, grasp opportunities and to believe in themselves.
Recently Marie was Keynote Speaker at Kilmarnock Academy’s Leadership Conference 2024 where senior pupils anchored an interactive session asking Marie multiple questions about her life and work.
Marie comments on the conference…
“What a wonderful and inspiring morning at my former school as keynote speaker at their inaugural conference. I loved being able to engage in conversation with the pupils and share how I’ve taken the school values and motto with me throughout my career: integrity, respect, determination and compassion, leading from the heart.”
