JONES
ACHIEVING NINE distinctions in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) is no ordinary feat. That is why Vaughan-Reese Jones of Wolmer's Boys' School is still in disbelief.
"I was on the bus when my father called me and told me. I was in disbelief. I shouted out on the bus," Vaughan-Reese told The Gleaner.
Vaughan-Reese said he still thinks he is dreaming. He said although he did his work, and had faith in himself, he was surprised at his achievements.
The 16-year-old attributes his success to God, his family and his teachers. He explained that his mother Millicent Jones, a human resource assistant, would wake him at nights and ensure that he got his studies done.
And his father Errol Jones, a chartered accountant, provided information for him and assisted him with his School Based Assessments (SBAs).
Vaughan-Reese describes himself as a diligent and determined person.
Guided by the philosophy that "you are not a failure until you stop trying," Vaughan-Reese said he likes challenges and would strive to reach his full potential.
The devoted Christian, from the Eastwood Park New Testament Church of God, will be going to sixth form at Wolmer's next week, where he will be studying subjects at the Caribbean Advanced Examinations Proficiency (CAPE) level, the equivalent to GCE A' Level. His ultimate goal is to become a computer or civil engineer.
"I was ecstatic. I screamed in my office," said Mr. Jones, when he got the news of his son's feat. However, he said he was not surprised because Vaughan-Reese was consistent in getting good grades.
The story of Vaughan-Reese is an example of the relationship between parental involvement and academic achievement. Mr. Jones, who is a parent representative at Wolmer's, said he was in constant contact with his son's teachers and frequently got updates on his performance at school.
- P.F.
