By Kareem Latouche, Gleaner WriterWITH PRINCIPAL Theresa Mendes at its helm, Immaculate Conception Preparatory school this year continued its excellent tradition of producing quality students. Along with 100 per cent pass in this year's Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT), six of the batch received prestigious Government Scholarships to some of the nation's top high schools.
Proud GSAT teachers, Pauline Campbell and Genevieve Reid attributed Immaculate's sterling performance to good teamwork among teachers and parents. They also noted that five of the six students who received the scholarships attended no extra classes.
"We worked with a plan from the beginning, we did not want students to misunderstand concepts taught by us with that of other teachers," said Ms. Reid.
The six students, Carolyn Wittingham, Monique Arnold, Herona Thompson, Rachel Zacca, Nasha-Kaye Virgo and Kerianne Jackson expressed delight at winning the scholarships, but noted that it took much hard work.
Carolyn Wittingham will move on to Immaculate Conception High, which is just next door to the Preparatory school. The 12 year old said that when she heard that she had won a Blue Cross of Jamaica scholarship, she was overwhelmed.
"I was so happy, I could hardly believe that I got a scholarship," a jubilant Carolyn told The Gleaner. She attributes most of her success to the support that she received from her parents and teacher. She admitted that she does not study as hard as some students, and therefore relies on her ability to recall information even if only read once.
Carolyn wants to become a zoologist, because of her great love for animals. She owns one dog, one cat, and a bird, turtle and fish tank. Carolyn's teacher, Ms. Reid, described Carolyn as a very jovial and expressive child.
"Before doing the GSAT exam I told her that she has the potential to receive a scholarship if she stays focus," said Ms. Reid.
Monique Arnold, a fast talking 12 year old was extremely happy when she heard the news that she had received a scholarship for her outstanding performance in her GSAT examination. "I was a little surprised, because I am not someone who practises rigorously. I read pertinent information once or twice and draw lots of diagrams to help me remember things," said Monique.
Monique stated that she watches lots of television and does her studying around her TV time. Monique is on her way to Campion College, come September. She hopes to do well there and remain competitive at the highest level.
ASPIRING LAWYER
An aspiring lawyer, Monique told the Gleaner that she is interested in pursuing this career because her uncle is a lawyer. However she stated that at first she was into the science but in the latter part of her preparatory school years she started to place more emphasis on English and social science. Her teacher, Mrs. Campbell, said Monique is a perfectionist who is very organised.
"When it was close to exam time, she bought a pack of plain paper and made her study index cards," said Mrs. Campbell.
Herona Thompson is one of 14 girls across the island who received a Government Scholarship. The 12-year-old was quite calm about the scholarship and noted: "My friends had very encouraging words to say, when they heard the news about the scholarship." Success however did not come on a silver platter for young Herona. She did not attend the school's grade four, when ground work in the social sciences was laid. However with strong parental support and discipline, she was able to catch up with her class by doubling up on reading.
"I had to do a lot of extra studying, in order to be on par with my class," said Herona. When asked what type of books she loves to read, she stated, the ones that have complex words and a good story line. Herona's mother Dorothy Thompson, said she always believed that her daughter could accomplish anything she puts her mind to.
"I always tell her to aim to be the best," said a joyful Mrs. Thompson. She stated that even though she was off the island when her daughter was doing her exams, she was quite confident in her. Supporting this confident attitude was Heron Thompson, a loving father who speaks with pride about his daughter. Rachel Zacca, like Carolyn, will be off to Immaculate Conception High this September. The 11-year-old Rachel received a Government Scholarship in this years GSAT.
"I screamed and called everyone when I got the news," said a smiling Rachel.
Rachel always wanted to go to Immaculate Conception High, as she wants to stay united with friends. Rachel's teacher, Ms. Reid describes her as a very caring and considerate individual.
"Whenever it seems I am feeling down, she is the first to show any signs of concern," said Ms. Reid.
Despite her charisma, Ms. Reid stated that she was slightly concerned about Rachels performance, as she was beginning to make needless errors close to exam time. However with
excessive practising, Rachel was able to settle down enough to win a scholarship. She dedicated two hours per day between January and the GSAT towards studying.
Rachel is the captain of her school's swim team and is described by her schoolmates as a good goalkeeper. On the weekends she rides dirt bike with her family.
The first thing one notices about Nasha-Kaye Virgo is her height. This 5' 10 12-year-old is bound for Campion College in September. Nasha-Kaye captains her school's track team and she loves to swim. She confided that in 2003, she grew over five inches taller.
"I can remember at the beginning of last year I was at my mother's shoulder, now I am three inches taller than her," stated Nasha-Kay. Her mother Nadine Virgo, who is a grade five teacher at the school, stated that she was extremely happy to know that both she and her daughter could have the wonderful opportunity of being together so often.
"How many parents have the privilege of watching their daughter progress throughout Prep School, the way I did," said a gleeful Mrs. Virgo. She described her daughter as an intrinsically motivated individual, who does not need to be constantly monitored.
Kerianne Jackson is an outspoken 11-year-old, who stated matter-of-factly that she was not surprised she received a Government Scholarship. She attributes her award to the confidence her mother and teacher had in her. Kerianne is on her way to Campion College, where she hopes to begin her dream to become a Chemist. She is looking forward to joining many of the school's clubs.
The brilliant young lady said she employed no specific study routines for GSAT. "I study whenever the opportunity presented itself. This is usually whenever my favourite TV programmes are not showing," said Kerianne.
She stated that when her mother heard the news that she had received a scholarship, she (mother) was extremely excited and could barely contain herself. Kerianne hopes to continue on her successive path and is determined to abide by her motto, "always try to do your best and strive for success".
