STUDENT OF THE YEAR 2016

STUDENT OF THE YEAR 2016

   Now in its sixteenth year, the Annual Student Of The Year awards again took place in the Council Chamber, Oldham Civic Centre.  With 28 nominations the selection committee, under the chairmanship of Past President Raymond Coverley, P.H.F. experienced possibly their hardest task to date.  It was only after prolong discussion and careful consideration the eventual winners emerged.

  There are two categories, those aged from 11 to 16 years of age, and those above.  The awards acknowledge students who have made outstanding contributions to the local community whilst still maintaining high academic standards.

  The presentations, in the capable hands of the Mayor of Oldham, Councillor
 Ur-Rehman Ateeqe, helped by the Mayoress, Councillor Yasmin Toor, were followed up with tea and buns.

  Hathershaw College's Pranay Maisuria was crowned Student Of The Year in the 11 to 16 category, and Helen Schofield, who attends the Hulme Grammar School won the title in the over 16 group.

  For the past 8 years Helen has been at the heart of Hulme's anti-bulling programme, and became a School Academic Mentor for younger pupils who struggle with Maths and Science, also helping gifted Primary School pupils who attend for extra lessons.  She is also a Prefect.

  A long standing member of the School Brass Band and Orchestra, Helen also sings with both the School and Church choir.  In any spare time helps raise funds for various charities, and is an Umpire at Oldham Netball Club.

  Pranay's commitments are also impressive.  Aged 15 he is Hathershaws Head Boy, a School Council member, School Ambassador, and is completing the Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award.  His numerous fund-raising include completing a Three Peaks Challenge for Dr. Kershaws Hospice, and a cycle ride for a School ion India.

  Outside of school, Pranay is a Fire Cadet, a volunteer and Committee Member with Oldham Carnival, he runs activities at Oldham Indian Association and has chalked up more than 400 hours for his Children's University Passport.

  Kate Gregson, Deputy Head of Hulme's Sixth Form said, "Helen is a first class student, both academically and socially, and had been offered a place at Cambridge."

  Anjum Raza, Pastoral Manager at Hathershaw College said, "Where do i start with Pranay?  I don't know how he finds the time to fit everything in.  He is a true role model."

  Helen and Pranay were both presented with a laptop and a sheild.  Runners up Alanna Ruddm, from Saddleworth School, and Tom Brisk, from Oldham Sixth Form College each receved tablets.