A DANCE student from Okehampton has won a prize from the University of Worcester for going over and above in both her studies and as a student rep.

Cara Leahy, who is in the final year of a Physical Education and Dance degree at the university, was awarded the prize for Outstanding Student Contribution within her department.

She was presented with her prize, a certificate and £100 by University of Worcester deputy vice chancellor Professor Sarah Greer, at a special ceremony.

‘I feel very proud of my achievement and appreciate the reward for all the hard work that I have put in,’ said Cara, 21, who honed her dance skills growing up with Okehampton’s Footsteps School of Dance. ‘It was quite a shock, but very nice to know that all the hard work I’ve put in has not gone unnoticed.’

Cara, who went to Okehampton College and then on to Exeter College, received her award both for her consistently high grades and also for going the extra mile promoting her course and acting as a rep for her fellow students.

Prof Greer said: ‘Our students work incredibly hard so it is wonderful to be able to recognise and reward their achievements and sustained commitment to their studies during their time at Worcester.  

‘We are proud of all our students who earned an award this year and hope this will inspire them to further academic success.’