Something we tend to take for granted is the fact that Alan is really quite bright when it comes to mathematics. Take, for example, this quote from his school newsletter in May 2003.
Maths Olympiad
Alan Hazelden (Year 11) and Isaac Kim (Year 10) took part in the IMOK 'Kangaroo', an Olympiad paper following on from the Intermediate Maths Challenge. Alan scored 100 and Isaac 62 (out of 135). The mean mark in the country was 67. Alan's score placed him in the top 25%, an outstanding achievement. Well done to both students for a very creditable performance.
Alan also undertakes programming contracts and helps run a web site devoted to Zelda, a popular series of computer games.
When Alan returned from his first term at Warwick, a letter was waiting for him which invited him to a reception with the Lord Mayor of Bristol. It was very short notice, and he didn't go. But a few days later, another envelope arrived with a certificate for 'personal qualities, determination and outstanding achievement' - and some gift vouchers to the value of £100.
The Bristol Evening Post web site ran the following story:
Prizes will be handed out to young people from Bristol who have had exceptional educational achievements. The Lord Mayor, Peter Abraham, was due to commend the youngsters today in what will be the first ever Lord Mayor's Bristol campus achievement awards.
Supported by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC), the awards ceremony was due to be held at the Mansion House at Clifton Down, where the winners will be announced.
The six awards have been divided into two categories: 14 to 16-year-olds and post-16. There will also be one overall winner who will receive a special Learner of the Year award.
All schools, colleges and work-based learning providers in Bristol were asked to nominate students for the awards and a total of 37 nominations were received.
LSC West of England chairman John Savage said: "There are numerous success stories throughout Bristol where young people have had excellent achievements. We want to raise the profile of these dedicated individuals, who have made such outstanding progress.
"We would like to congratulate all the winners and nominees for all their hard work."
Malcolm Gillespie, LSC South-West director, said: "The LSC has a single goal - to improve the skills of England's young people and adults to world-class standards.
"These awards will not just recognise a high level of achievement, but will also celebrate the effort and commitment that these young people have shown."
[This article was taken from the This Is Bristol web site.]
