Tadley teenager AWE's Young Scientist of the Year

Will Maidment, aged 14, who lives off Fairlawn Road, a pupil at the Hurst Community College, Baughurst, won the prize after impressing judges with his commitment to science, as a regular contributor to class discussions and through his ability to inspire others.
Judges said due to the high quality of entries, it was hard to choose between Will’s, and runner up Alice Laidler, aged 14, of Thatcham, a Kennet School pupil.
Therefore both promising pupils were invited to tour AWE’s new Orion laser facility and meet some of the company’s scientists and engineers.
The trophy was presented to Will by Andrew Randewich, AWE’s head of plasma physics, during their Monday October 8 visit (pictured). Alice received an engraved photo plaque.
Will said: “It was fantastic to be given the chance to go round the Orion facility, and to hear how the lasers work. It was also a great opportunity to meet scientists and to get an appreciation of what it’s like working in their chosen field. It’s encouraged me to think about taking my science studies on to A level.”
Three other entrants who were finalists in the competition received a small trophy, including: Leela Richardson from The Willink School, Burghfield Common; Saskia Tilbury from The Clere School, in Burghclere; and Phillip Coulam-Jones from Denefield School in Reading.
The competition was launched during the summer term, with teachers across North Hampshire and West Berkshire invited to nominate a Year 9 pupils considered an outstanding young scientist.