Former Member of Youth Parliament wins prestigious scholarship to the United States

A former Member of Shropshire’s Youth Parliament is celebrating after being offered an auspicious scholarship in America.

James Ellsmoor has been selected as a Morehead-Cain scholar at the University in North Carolina.  James was just one of a chosen few nominees selected for this unique opportunity.

The Morehead-Cain is a four-year merit scholarship.  Established in 1945, the Morehead-Cain is the oldest, most prestigious, and most emulated merit scholarship program in the United States.  Their purpose is to identify and invest in promising leaders, challenging them to have a profound impact on the people and pursuits that define their lives.

James who is currently travelling through South America, said:

“I was only in the USA for a week for my interview, then found out about the scholarship a few days after returning.  I’m so happy I still can’t quite believe it!  I doubt I would have got it without being part of Youth Parliament.  It’s not just the big prestigious things like the Houses of Parliament, but everything we did from the Question Time events to monthly Speak Out group meetings and roadshows.  It was great having all those experiences to talk about in the interviews and on my application form, but also I think the confidence and public speaking skills I gained really made a difference in how I came across whilst speaking to the panel of interviewers.”

Councillor Karen Burgoyne, deputy Cabinet member with responsibility for youth provision, said:-

“What fantastic news, I would like to congratulate James on this amazing achievement.  I am so pleased that the skills that he has learnt from his time as a  Member of Youth Parliament have contributed to his success too.  I hope James’ accomplishment inspires and encourages other young people to follow.”

James will be returning to the UK in July, when he will then be preparing for his scholarship which starts on 18 August 2012.