The school is delighted to share the news that popular Year 13 pupil, Marin de Villard, has accepted a wonderful offer of a full swimming scholarship at Canisius College, Buffalo, New York State for August 2023.
Marin joined Saint Felix in 2017 as a boarder in Year 8 with a Swimming Scholarship offered by the school. Marin had already been swimming competitively from the age of nine, while living with his family in Tanzania. His promise and ambition were noticed by friends of the de Villard family who knew about the excellent swimming programme at Saint Felix and encouraged them to find out more.Marin and his family had no previous connection with Suffolk but were delighted by the school’s nurturing and safe environment. The decision to join Saint Felix was made with Marin, who was delighted to discover fellow pupils who he knew from competitions in Tanzania.
Marin has taken full advantage of training offered by the Saint Felix Swimming Club in the indoor swimming pool on the school site and has won many trophies and medals at regional and national level, whilst in the UK – performing well at the recent Swim England National Winter Championships in Sheffield where he made top five placements in two junior finals including a Personal Best.
Currently studying for A-Level French, Spanish and Business Management, the scholarship, from “Division one” University: Canisius College in Buffalo, New York State, will pay full fees for Marin to study for a degree in Business Management.
Academic results (GCSE) as well as swimming achievements played an important part in Marin’s scholarship application to Athleticademix – an agency who work with promising young athletes interested in studying in the US – which was written and submitted by Marin himself – a process which is something of an achievement in itself.
“The Athleticadamix scholarship will be a new adventure in a new country with a new training programme. Boarding at Saint Felix has definitely helped me become more independent and well prepared for life at university.” Marin de Villard
“We are extremely proud of Marin. An exemplary and well-loved pupil who has always shown great determination to make the most of life at the school. I know we will hear great things about Marin in the future. We warmly welcome enquiries from talented youngsters who may wish to apply for a scholarship at the school. Entrance exams for 2023 applications will take place on Tuesday 10 January.” James Harrison, Headmaster
Marin’s parents – Jerome and France – are delighted.
“Marin was lucky to find Saint Felix. We are still so grateful to James Harrison for the Scholarship. Marin’s mantra has always been ‘never give up’. We have no doubt that Marin will cope well with the change and go on to make the most of his talents and personal qualities.”
Applications are open now for Academic, Visual Arts, Performance Arts, Sport and Swimming Scholarships at Saint Felix for 2023/24.
Entrance examinations and auditions will take place from Tuesday 10 January.
Find out more