Student Heading To Yale University
A Valley student, currently completing her A-Level studies, has secured a place at one of the most prestigious universities in the world.
Morgan Cronin, 18, from Pontypridd, is a pupil at Hawthorn High School – but is set to head off to Yale University to further her education having secured her place and a financial aid package.
Cllr Eudine Hanagan, Cabinet Member for Education and Lifelong Learning, said: “This is excellent news for Morgan, for her school and everyone involved with the education system in Rhondda Cynon Taf. This is an amazing opportunity for Morgan as she continues her further education across the Atlantic with students from all around the world.
“I am delighted to see the success the Seren Network Hub, a Welsh Government initiative launch in 2015 to offer support and guidance to those students who are seeking top university places in a bid to fulfil their academic potential.”
Morgan has previously participated in the Sutton Trust’s US Programme, run in partnership with the US-UK Fulbright Commission.
Last summer, Morgan was one of 150 students selected for a summer school in the United States, at either Yale University or the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
They competed with over 1,600 applicants to gain a place on the programme and spent a week living on campus, and visiting a number of other American universities.
The students benefited from residential activities and received an intensive programme of support, delivered by the US-UK Fulbright Commission over a number of months before and after their American visit. This support included admission tests, college choices and the application process.
The aim of the Sutton Trust’s US Programme is to encourage academically talented British students to consider studying at American universities.
Morgan is an ambitious and enthusiastic student committed to academic excellence. She will be the first in her family to attend university and the first student from Hawthorn High School to apply to US institutions.
She has a passion for community service and dedicates her weekends to working with local charities. Morgan is also active within her school community and helps tutor both SEN English and GCSE Maths. She also founded the school’s Eco Club.
Morgan said: “I am so excited – this is incredible news and a wonderful opportunity for me. I was drawn to the United States for the liberal arts education offered.
“I am eager to pursue undergraduate research and hope to major in either maths or physics, but I am also excited to study a range of classes outside these disciplines.
“I found the whole experience with the Sutton Trust a rewarding one and I am looking forward to experiencing the diversity of American culture, as well as getting involved in as many activities on campus as possible.”
Morgan took advantage of the MAAT provision at Hawthorn High School and attended the RCT SEREN Network. Her application for the programme was successfully supported by Hawthorn High School and the SEREN network.
She is now using her time and experience to mentor fellow pupils at Hawthorn High School to apply for the programme so they too can benefit from the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Morgan is one of 42 students across the UK and one of only three in Wales to have been selected under the early application deadline to US universities.
Yale University, based in Connecticut, USA, was founded in 1701. Among its famous graduates are actors Meryl Streep, Jodie Foster and David Duchovny and politicians Bill and Hilary Clinton.
In recognition of her academic achievement, Morgan is set to get an invitation to meet with Cllr Rhys Lewis, the Mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf.
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