Tashieka Mair, Gleaner Writer

Danielle Watson and her mother, Dianne, share a proud hug at The Gleaner's Western Bureau office in St James. - photo by Tashieka Mair

WESTERN BUREAU:

Young Danielle Watson, sixth-grade student at the Mount Alvernia Preparatory School in St James, who copped the highest score among the girls at her school, has surpassed even her own expectations.

With an average of 96.4 per cent that has earned her a place at Mount Alvernia High School, she is keeping her fingers crossed that she will be one of the scholarship recipients this year.

Danielle, who is described by her mother, Dianne, as an avid reader, scored 97 per cent in language arts and mathematics; 99 per cent in her favourite subject, social studies; 89 per cent in science and a surprising perfect 100 per cent in communication task, the subject she feared the most.

"It (GSAT studies) was very hard at times, but I knew I had to put in a lot of hard work to be successful," said Danielle.

"At times I was afraid, especially when it came on to communication task because my mother and teacher told me that it carried the most marks."

Supportive parents

Danielle, who lives by her mother's advice to be always kind, humble and persistent, gives credit to her parents who she says help her to study, do research as well as encourage her to do well.

As she looks forward to making the transition from prep to high school, Danielle understands that this is where the really hard work begins. However, it may not be too difficult to maintain the relationship with her present class of friends as the majority of girls in her class have also earned a place at Mount Alvernia High.

"I know that I will have to work harder now, especially when I'm doing CSEC," she said.

Her mother, Dianne, was beaming with pride as she told The Gleaner of the hard work she had put in to ensure her daughter's success in school.

"I'm ecstatic, on top of the world. It was a lot of hard work and staying up late at nights and sometimes she became a little frustrated because she wanted to just be able to play like other children, but I just had to keep encouraging her," Watson said.

She said she has had to spend a lot of money on books for Danielle, who loves to read. She also allows her to travel extensively in an effort to make her a more well-rounded individual.

Danielle also loves to play and spend time at the beach and aspires to be a cardiologist, neurosurgeon or a pilot.