Year 7 Norton Hill student, Stacy Curtis, has recently returned from the European Baton Twirling competition which took place in the Winter Olympic Stadium, at Lillehammer, in Norway.

Stacy was selected to represent England in the competition after having qualified in third place at the National Championships. This was her first opportunity to compete abroad in the solo division. Stacy was placed in the 'Accessories Solo Juvenile'

category and competed against female competitors from all over Europe. After some very strong competition, she won the European Silver Medal for England.

Stacy has been training in Majorettes and Baton Twirling for five years. She has been trained by her cousin and former Norton Hill student, Amy Swatton.

Stacy was asked how she felt when she had been selected to represent England: "Last year, I was a reserve and this year I managed to qualify for the final. I was so happy I started to cry! After I heard the news, I continued my training sessions before flying to Norway.

"On the morning of the competition, I had to perform in front of a large audience who were sat in the Winter Olympic Stadium. As soon as I got out onto the floor, it all came naturally to me and I was so pleased with my performance. When I heard the judges announce that I had come second, I couldn't believe it, I was stunned!"

Russell Martin, Norton Hill Teacher and Tutor to Stacy, said: "The students were so excited when they heard the news. We are all tremendously proud of Stacy's accomplishment. We wish her every success for her future in competitive Baton Twirling."