Student wins first Morris scholarship at University Centre Shrewsbury
An outgoing Shrewsbury teenager who impressed with her hard work and positive attitude has been awarded the first Morris Scholarship.
Paige Eades, will study for a three-year business management degree course from October at University Centre Shrewsbury (UCS), with all tuition fees paid for by Morris & Company, plus an annual bursary towards her living costs.
The 18-year-old said: “I was overwhelmed and just so excited to hear that I had been selected from such an impressive peer group.
“We had a really fun assessment day at the campus and although I felt a little nervous I actually enjoyed the interview as a chance to tell the judges about my passion for the subject I have chosen to study. I’m so pleased and proud to become the first Morris Scholar.
“This is such a great opportunity and I am determined to make the most of it. I’m looking forward to university life and to learning all I can to realise my career ambitions. At this stage I think I would love to go into a HR role where I can really make a difference to a business.”
The Shrewsbury Sixth Form College student came through tough competition to gain the award launched by Morris & Company to mark its 150th anniversary.
The Scholarship was open to young people accepted for a place at UCS this October. The short-listed applicants attended interviews and an assessment day which included an obstacle course team challenge organised and hosted by Shrewsbury-based army warrant officer, Stuart Shepherd.
In addition to the financial support, Morris & Company will also provide mentoring and work placements to help Paige’s career development.
Robin Morris, chairman of the fifth-generation family business, said: “It was not easy for us as judges to choose just one winner from the nine talented finalists we selected from the extensive entries we received for the scholarship. However, Paige shone through. She impressed us with passion for her subject, her willingness to work hard and her personal qualities which make her an ideal student ambassador to represent the university and Morris & Company."
The Provost of UCS, Professor Anna Sutton, and Deputy Provost, Paul Kirkbright and Robin Morris interviewed the finalists and unanimously selected Paige as the winning entrant.
