Award winning Amy arrives at university in style!

Amy Mason A first year student at Bangor University who was named her county’s ‘Student of the Year’ has arrived in style at her Halls of Residence in her competition prize - a brand-new Fiat Panda!

 Amy Mason, 18 from Merthyr Tydfil who was head girl at her former school, Ysgol Gyfun Rhydywaun, beat 17 other students from across Rhondda Cynon Taf to the prize, which was jointly sponsored by the local council and Griffin Mill garages. 

Amy is now settling in to life in Bangor where she is studying Welsh and French. She was shocked to discover that she had won the award, “I faced tough competition from the other students and I really didn’t expect to win. It came as a real surprise!” she remarked.

Each secondary school within Rhondda Cynon Taf nominated a pupil for the award, which recognises outstanding achievement in three fields: educational standard, community involvement and voluntary work.

Amy’s musical talent and her dedication to helping Tŷ Hafan children’s hospice impressed the competition judges. An accomplished harpist, Amy performed for Prince Charles at Tŷ Hafan’s 10 year anniversary event.

Amy said, “My mum has worked for Tŷ Hafan since it first opened, which is how I first got involved with the organisation. I’ve been volunteering for the hospice for the past seven years and as I play the harp, I thought why not use that skill to raise money for a good cause. I now donate part of anything I earn through performing to the hospice.”   

Amy is now looking forward to her first year at university and is enjoying living in Neuadd John Morris-Jones Halls of Residence. She said, “I’m settling in really well and I’ve made a lot of new friends. It’s great having a car and it’ll definitely make it easier to head back home for the holidays!”

Amy hopes to join the University orchestra and continue performing whilst at Bangor.

Publication date: 27 September 2010