Williams

One year after making the principal's honour roll as a most outstanding grade 10 student at Ferncourt High School, in St Ann, 17 year-old Janiel Williams has again done himself and his school proud by achieving the highest Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination passes for 2006 at that institution.

Janiel passed all 11 subjects he took, gaining nine grade ones in the process.

Passing all 11 subjects did not come as any big surprise for this young aspiring chemist, but he readily admits that he did not expect so many distinctions.

It was an overjoyed Veronica Archer, principal of Ferncourt High School, who telephoned Janiel to convey the good news to him shortly after receiving the school's CXC results.

"I was at a loss for words because I was shocked to hear that I got nine distinctions, but I was able to share the joy with my principal," Janiel told The Gleaner.

Mrs. Archer described Janiel as a very promising young man.

At Ferncourt High, Janiel was actively involved in school affairs and held membership in most of the inhouse clubs. These included the Environment Club, 4-H Clubs, Spanish Club, United Nations Club. He also had the distinction of being the captain of the Schools' Challenge Quiz team.

"I always pay attention to the lessons in class and I personally take my studies seriously," he said, when asked about his formula for success.

The son of clerical worker, Maxine Johnson and hotel employee, Michael Williams, Janiel grew up with his grandmother, Winnifred Johnson, on the outskirts of Claremont in St Ann.

He credits his grandmother for moulding him into an outstanding student.

"She is very helpful and always encourages me to do my lessons and those encouraging words really paid off ," he said with a broad smile.

Born on November 23 , 1989, the ever-smiling high achiever is now making preparations to further his studies at Ardenne High School in St. Andrew.

- Devon Evans