This year, the Words Matter prize is being awarded to two recipients. For the first time, the English Literature team are recognizing outstanding academic achievement by students completing the first year of their degree in both single honours and joint honours cohorts.

This year’s winners are English Literature student Maddison ‘Madz’ Warley and English Literature and Creative Writing student Amy Platt.

Level Four co-ordinator Dr Fraser Mann says:

“Madz and Amy are both superb students. Their dedication to the subject and their participation in university life are admirable. They have made rapid and remarkable progress and deserve real recognition for this success. They are both an asset to English Literature at York St John.”

On receiving news of the award, a delighted Madz said:

“I put off university for years over fears it wouldn’t be the right environment for me, so winning this genuinely means the world to me. It’s total Rory Gilmore vibes. The first year of university has truly been one of the best experiences of my life. The English Literature team have been so supportive and I’ve enjoyed every lecture and seminar. Thank you to every friend and lecturer that has supported me so far.”

Amy was equally happy and said:

“Receiving the Words Matter Prize is such an honour and something that I will treasure forever. I feel as though it is only fair that I express my gratitude to everyone who has made this journey possible. To every lecturer, tutor, peer, and friend, thank you for making my first year at university the most wonderful and rewarding experience.”

Madz and Amy will receive their awards during this year’s Words Matter Lecture. We would like to congratulate them on their success and wish them all the best for the rest of their degrees.