Two High Tunstall College of Science students receive prestigious Vikas Agrawal Memorial Bursary

On November 23-24, High Tunstall College of Science, in Hartlepool, hosted its 28th annual awards ceremony, celebrating students’ accomplishments and achievements from the 2021-22 academic year.

In recent years, the Vikas Agrawal Memorial Bursary has been introduced to list of awards presented over the two evenings.

Vikas Agrawal forms part of the High Tunstall College of Science alumni.

From an early age, Vikas had a passion for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects and had a real passion for green economy, winning a prestigious award at the age of 17 with an article he wrote being published in the Sunday Telegraph.

Vikas worked for a number of high-profile STEM companies throughout his life, including his work in Silicon Valley, in California, as a technology consultant.

He was a passionate supporter of the organic movement, being a member of both the Organic Research Centre, and a founding member of the Dene Organic Trust.

Vikas achieved so much in his life and it was unfortunately cut short in his prime.

Vikas not only had the knowledge but his greatest asset was his wisdom linked to humility and empathy.

Vikas’ family have sponsored the bursaries in his memory which are awarded to support students who are ambitious to pursue a STEM career. The goal is to support students to achieve their dreams and goals.

This year the bursaries were presented to Hollie Mudd and Toni-Leigh Bowler by Dr and Mrs Agrawal, Vikas’ parents.

Hollie and Toni-Leigh are continuing their STEM studies after leaving High Tunstall College of Science.

Hollie’s teachers at High Tunstall said: “Hollie showed outstanding effort in all three sciences whilst at HTCS.

"She attended mini medical school online with Newcastle University and dedicated every morning, break and lunch time to her revision.

"In addition to her fantastic work ethic, Hollie was also an ambassador for science.

"Throughout Year 11 she supported staff on a weekly basis with Year 7 after-school STEM club. While at High Tunstall she combined her studies with competition at world level in cheerleading.

"In April 2022, Hollie travelled to Florida to compete in the Cheerleading World Championships, as she will be doing again in 2023.

"Hollie was so dedicated to her studies that while on her transatlantic flights she still made time to complete homework and revision.”

Hollie has continued her science studies, completing A Levels in biology and chemistry alongside French and Spanish.

Toni-Leigh’s teachers added: “Toni-Leigh has been dedicated to all of her studies, with specific focus on STEM subjects (construction, business and science).

"Toni-Leigh has displayed resilience and dedication throughout Year 11 whilst completing her work to such a high standard.

"She is a wonderful young woman who is a role model to all of her peers.

"Toni-Leigh also attended external events where stakeholders were so impressed with her, they went out of their way to provide positive feedback to help her in future.”

Toni-Leigh has continued to show her passion for construction, studying it at Middlesbrough College, and deserves every success.