A MONMOUTHSHIRE school girl has been offered a scholarship to study in America.

Emily Strawbridge, a boarder at Haberdashers’ Monmouth School for Girls (HMSG), has been given a rare opportunity to study at the University of Connecticut thanks to her dedication to rowing.

Affectionately known as ‘Strawberry’ or ‘Strawbs’ to her friends, Emily, 17, has worked hard to get the scholarship.

Kate Callaghan, master in rowing at HMSG, said: “The only way Emily has got to where she is now is through hard work.

“When she came to us in Year 11, we chucked her out sculling and she kept falling in the water –but she laughed it off and she was never bothered by it.

“Now she’s captain of boats and beating records on our sculling ladder.”

Emily will become part of the university’s sports team, Huskies, when she arrives in the States next year, enjoying seasonal training camps in Florida.

With demanding training sessions on the river and in the gym taking priority eight times a week, each session of rowing can last for up to three hours.

The boarder said: “I was quite surprised when I found out about the scholarship. It’s so competitive and such a life-changing thing. I couldn’t stop smiling the day I found out.

“The HMSG rowing team is like a little family – the people make all the difference.”

Mrs Callaghan added: “Rowing and training have really shaped her and given her an exciting journey. But despite getting her scholarship, she’s never arrogant. She’s always the entertainer on camp and a great leader.”