BALLYMACWARD PRIMARY SCHOOL
"We see Ballymacward school as being at the very heart of the community and this new building will hopefully put us on the map," she said.
"After 26 years teaching in very difficult conditions this award is something which both the pupils and staff thoroughly deserve.
"The children will now have the space to play and carry out extra curricular projects and activities - before the children had no proper recreational area as the school is situated right next to a main road.
"Whereas before now we had to use the local Parish Hall for concerts and plays - which we always appreciated and which were very successful - we will now, thanks to this cash, have our own assembly hall for performances."
An ecstatic Ms McCrory told Andersonstown News: "The children are thrilled with the news - it's like telling them it was their birthday, they just cheered and cheered, now everyone just wants building to start as soon as possible."
Breda McCrory was at Castle Buildings last Wednesday where Education Minister Martin McGuinness announced that the rural village school, established in 1859 was to be given cash for its new build, after 26 years teaching in portacabins.
The award was part of a £72m injection into18 schools in the North - the largest ever capital build from the Department.
Ballymacward was among six schools in the maintained sector to benefit from the award, with a total capital investment of £23.3m.
With its chronic lack of space and high heating bills, the school was earmarked as a priority for a new build. The decision will be a major relief for its 103 pupils and six teaching staff.