A Frome student who has a rare brain condition has won two special awards for her hard work and dedication while completing her music performance and production course.
Maya Sherriff, who was born and raised in Frome, has been recognised as the Overall Vocational Student of the Year and also received the Success Against the Odds award at the Strode College Student Awards, standing out among 1,350 students.
Maya was born with vein of Galen malformation (VGM), a rare vascular abnormality where arteries in the brain connect directly to veins, bypassing the normal capillary network.
She spent a significant amount of time at Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital in London, where she underwent many highly specialised and life-saving operations during her infancy and early childhood.
“Her education was challenging, as finding the right support proved difficult at schools,” said her mother, Tanya. “However, after leaving a special needs school, she enrolled at Strode College in Street to pursue a music performance and production course, which she completed with distinctions.
“I played her lots of music when she was in hospital, which helped both her and me. Music is a huge part of family life — I play in local bands, work as a community music practitioner, and run Drum It Up.
“I know how powerful music and rhythm can be for your brain, coordination, wellbeing and happiness. From a young age, she had an incredible sense of rhythm and a beautiful voice. She has channelled all her skills and abilities and has worked very hard to overcome many obstacles in her life. She has been diligent, committed and determined not to let her disability hold her back.”
Currently, Maya is in her first year of the commercial music degree at Bath Spa University, where she plays keyboards and sings in several student bands.
Tanya said, “One of her bands, The Electric Kool-Aid Collective, is a 60s-inspired six-piece group that is already gigging in Bristol and Bath, with an invitation to perform at the Bath Spa University Ball this May. They are hoping to play in her hometown of Frome this summer.”
Maya said, “I am so grateful to have been nominated for these awards. I was really surprised when I won both of them — it was amazing just to win one. We had a lovely evening which I will remember forever.”
