Student awarded prize named after Black Sabbath singer

University News Last updated 22 November 2011

A Birmingham City University student has been awarded a prize named after a member of the newly reformed Black Sabbath.
Twenty-three year old Helen Crothall has been named as the recipient of the Ozzy Osbourne Development Award which recognises the student who has made the most progress during the BA Media & Communications (Music Industries) course.

The University’s School of Media decided to give Helen the award because not only did she gained a good mark in her course but she also suffered the loss of her step father whilst in the second year of the degree. Also, unknown to her tutors, Helen was diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome whilst at University.

Asperger syndrome is a form of autism, and affects how a person makes sense of the world, processes information and relates to other people. Autism is often described as a 'spectrum disorder' because the condition affects people in many different ways and to varying degrees. People with Aspergers are usually of average, or above average, intelligence. Helen, who lives in Birmingham, insists that it's only a label and it shouldn't stop anyone from doing what they want to do in life.

Black Sabbath to re-form

The award was founded by University staff because they wanted to celebrate Birmingham’s musical heritage. Ozzy was brought up in the Aston area of the city, and went to school in nearby Perry Barr, where the University’s School of Media is based. After hearing the university wanted to name an award after him Ozzy said: “I was honoured to be asked. It’s great to support Birmingham and the future of the music industry.”
It was announced this month (November) that to play the Download rock festival. Ahead of their Download performance on Sunday 10 June, Black Sabbath are to record their first album with their original line-up for 33 years which includes guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler and drummer Bill Ward.

Helen, who studied at New College, Telford, before attending Birmingham City University, said: “I had the best and hardest times of my life while I was studying at university. When I look back I feel happy to have had the opportunity to study and get a degree.

Music Industry Networking

“I struggled at times during the second year because of certain events that happened at home. However I had so much help from my tutor, Matt Grimes, welfare officer Kerry Gough and fellow students, especially my friend Kate, to carry on and develop myself it ended up all good!”
“I have told a few people about my course who have said that they wish they had looked into studying music industries. It’s allowed and helped me to network in the local and national music industry on a level that I would never have been able to without it. It’s also helped me to direct and define the area of music industry I want to go into.”

Helen has recently worked at the Supersonic Festival and is hoping to launch a career as a digital strategist. Former Tutor, Matt Grimes said: “Helen really deserves this award. She worked very hard to achieve a 2:1 degree and was a pleasure to teach. Helen overcame the difficulties she faced and I am sure this tenacity will help her succeed in her chosen career route.”

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