Her contributions to the school, including her role in its establishment as foundation chairwoman, were among Mrs McCarthy's many voluntary community efforts which earned her the service medal.
The "Queen" - otherwise known as new entrant teacher Phillipa Wilson - made a guest appearance at yesterday's presentation to carry out a mock knighting ceremony, before the pupils sang the school song, which had been written by Mrs McCarthy around the time of the school's opening in 2006.
Foundation board member Michelle Cotter said Mrs McCarthy had "shifted heaven and earth and quite a lot of school furniture" to make the school happen.
The three remaining foundation pupils, (front from left) Jessie Curtis (11), Grace Thomson (12) and Finn Hasler (12), also offered thanks to Mrs McCarthy for her input into the school.
