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Student of the Year 2006

The winner of the third annual Griffin Mill 'Outstanding Student Award,' in association with Rhondda Cynon Taf, was announced at a special ceremony at the McDonald Holland House Hotel in Cardiff. Seventeen pupils from across Rhondda Cynon Taf were nominated for the award, which seeks to recognise pupils who have excelled either academically, through extra-curricular activities such as sport, music and drama or within their local school communities.

The overall winner was Sioned Cox from Ysgol Gyfun Y Cymer, who picked up the keys to a brand new Peugeot 207. Sioned will keep the car for the whole year; very handy as she prepares to begin her degree in medicine at Southampton University. Sioned made an excellent impression on the judges at Griffin Mill. "She has a quiet determination to succeed and a wide range of talents and interests," said managing director Anthony Griffin. "One of the many things that impressed us about Sioned was her campaign to raise awareness amongst her peers at school about the dangers of smoking."

"Choosing the winner was immensely difficult, as each of these young people has played a crucial role in the life of their school and their communities," he added.

The winners of the three 'regional' prizes of one hundred pounds were Thomas Minton of Treorchy Comprehensive, Kaylee John of Mountain Ash Comprehensive and Sophie Bennett of Coedylan Comprehensive.

"The 17 nominees each brought different skills, talents and abilities to the table," said Rhondda Cynon Taf's Secondary Improvement Officer, Gareth Rees. "Thomas has a great sense of humour and has demonstrated his sense of community through his voluntary work with a local hospital. Kaylee is an excellent all-rounder with a strong commitment to local activities and initiatives. Sophie excelled at the recent HCE 'outward bounds' adventure day, where she demonstrated her problem solving and team building skills."

"All nominees can feel extremely proud of their achievements and successes, both at school and with their local communities," says cabinet member for education and lifelong learning, Cllr Mike Forey. "I am also pleased that many of these young people have chosen to continue their studies in Wales."

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