Harvard Book Prize Winner

Cardinal Newman College student Timothy De Goede has been selected to receive the prestigious Harvard University book prize.

Each year only 2,000 institutions worldwide are selected to receive this award, which is then to be presented to a student in their first year of studies at the College. The schools and College’s which are selected are deemed by Harvard to be outstanding educational institutions, so the College is extremely proud to be considered so highly by the Ivy League University having been selected for the third year running to be a recipient of this award.

The College was then tasked with finding a Year 12 student who is “academically excellent with exceptional personal qualities, who makes a significant contribution to their school/college or community”. Teachers from across the College were asked to nominate students whom they felt fitted the bill and act as outstanding ambassadors for Cardinal Newman. Principal Nick Burnham then selected Timothy as the winning student.

Timothy was nominated by his Chemistry, Physics and Maths teachers and a member of the Additional Learning Support Team separately.  His Chemistry teacher said: “I believe that Tim is an exceptional student, being academically gifted and also contributing valuably to the department and college.  Tim has a natural flair for Chemistry and grasps the most difficult of concepts with ease.  His work is always of the highest standards and all his CAP exam grades have been A/A*.  He enjoys any challenges offered and completes all extension work.  He is a quiet and modest student in class but will happily contribute to class discussion when asked and always has much to offer.  He works well with others, cooperating readily on shared tasks although always able to complete tasks individually and at great speed!  His intelligence and modesty is recognised and respected by all class members.”

Congratulations to Timothy who was awarded a copy of Steven Pinker’s “Enlightenment Now”.