Top student Daisie is a star in the making

Acting prize for teen

A Bothwell teenager has won a top award at the performing arts academy she attends in her spare time.

Tutors at the Glasgow-based UK Theatre School named Daisie Henderson, 13, as the recipient of their annual Senior Acting and Performance Student of the Year prize.

They recognised her “exceptionally focused efforts” over the past 12 months.

Daisie received her plaque and certificate at the UKTS’S annual prize-giving ceremony which recognises their top students in various age groups and categories.

Holy Cross High pupil Daisie has been at UKTS for two years, and said: “When they called out my name I was so shocked and couldn’t believe it. I feel ecstatic when I think about it.

“The award really means the world to me – I feel like I’m more confident having won this award and can’t thank UKTS enough.

“Since joining theatre school my confidence in the performing arts has risen, and I’m more focused on what I want to achieve with the skills I’ve learned.

“My ambition is to get more auditions and to hopefully be on TV. This encourages me to keep on trying and get better at what I love to do.”

As well as excelling in her UKTS course work in the last year, Daisie has participated in a number of the school’s big productions.

Daisie’s dad David said: “This award means so much, not just to Daisie but to the whole family. Since joining UKTS Daisie has become so confident in lots of ways – not just in drama but in her school and social life too. UKTS has been brilliant for her and us.”

UKTS principal Lizanne Lambie Thomson described Daisie as “a very committed young talent” and added: “Our tutors see Daisie as having an amazingly focused commitment to her performing arts training. Daisie’s enthusiasm knows no limits and she is a deserving winner of this special award.

“Our focus is on helping develop young students who show an interest in the performing arts.

“Our team of experienced tutors help students like Daisie to focus on how best to fulfil their ambitions of becoming immersed in the performing arts world.”

UK Theatre School, which is based in Glasgow’s West Regent Street and has around 700 students on its roll, offers performing arts courses for students aged from between three and 18.

The school has charity status, which allows it to also offer support for any under-privileged youngsters who show potential talent.