Promising Pembrokeshire students scoop port authority awards

1:44pm Wednesday 7th January 2009

Pembrokeshire's most promising students were given a helping hand yesterday (Tuesday), when Milford Haven Port Authority awarded £6,000 worth of scholarships.

The authority decided to award six undergraduate scholarships worth £1000 each, instead of the usual four and one postgraduate award, due to the high calibre of rising talent.

Colin Evans, who chaired the selection panel, said: "We have been privileged to see some outstanding young people and we believe we have found some winners."

Former Preseli Student Nia Bell impressed the panel with her "infectious love of physics" as well as an extensive range of talents in music, languages and kickboxing.

Currently in her fourth and final year studying theoretical physics at Durham University, Nia hopes to complete a PhD and pursue a career in cancer research.

Another musical maestro, Laura Walker, won the panel over with her "exceptional" range of talents. Now in her first year at Cardiff University, Laura's desire to make a difference to young lives and become a teacher was truly touching.

Eighteen-year-old Cardiff maths student (former Ysgol Bro Gwaun pupil) Owen Phillips was reminded that impressing the scholarship panel at such a young age was no mean feat.

However, his academic triumph over years of hearing and speech problems was declared as "nothing short of miraculous".

Promising to return to his family's Pembrokeshire farm after his studies, Harper Adams Agriculture student Andrew Rees found favour with Mr Evans, who likened him to a young Bill Philping.

The former Milford Haven and Tasker Milward student showed extensive knowledge of farming, a positive attitude and forward-thinking.

Ex-Pembroke School pupil Catherine McNally used her finely honed debating skills to prove that her combined social sciences degree is an important area of expertise.

The second-year Durham University student hopes to land herself an internship and a fast-track entry to the civil service.

Oxford law student Meg Mathieson displayed a heartwarming sincerity in her ambition to specialise in family law or human rights.

The ex-Tasker Milward pupil's voluntary work with her local church group and Age Concern made her another deserving recipient.