SOLOMON Cherai of Success Elementary School is the country’s top student at this year’s National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA).
According to the results, which were announced yesterday, he scored 530 marks out of a possible total of 535, and will be heading to his dream school, Queen’s College, when school reopens in September.
So, too, will Shania Eastman, also of Success Primary, who earned 529 marks; Celine Farinha of Peter’s Hall Primary with 526 marks; Shreya Persaud and Isabella Hussain of the Academy of Excellence (Region 3), who both earned 526 marks; and Afeefah London of Success Elementary; Travis Isaacs of All Saints Primary (Region 6); Bhedesh Persaud of New Guyana School; Reanna Mc Curchin of St Margaret’s Primary; and Timur Singh of St Gabriel’s Primary who each scored 525 marks.

The following is what each child had to say about their performance at the exam when the Guyana Chronicle caught up with them yesterday at their respective schools:
SOLOMON CHERAI
A confident Solomon Cherai told the Guyana Chronicle yesterday that he was expecting this remarkable achievement, since all his time was dedicated towards his books.
“When I would come home from school, I would take a little break and then go do my homework. I would then take another break and go back to my book and study,” said the charming little scholar.
When asked who inspired him throughout this journey, he said his teachers, namely, Miss Africo and Miss Roshini among several others who worked with him throughout this journey. The beaming top student then thanked his parents and the Lord for their guidance and support for this achievement.
Lastly, when asked about what he aspires to become in the near future, he confidently said, “A mechanical engineer.”

SHANIA EASTMAN
“Overjoyed” was how Shania Eastman described how she felt when the news reached her that she is the second top student at the NGSA. Her study routine was influenced by her mother who ensured she was well equipped with all the materials needed to ace the examinations.
“I also took extra lessons after school, and for this I would like to thank those teachers who helped me get this far, and not forgetting my mom,” said a smiling Shania who aspires to become a lawyer.

CELINE FARINHA
With tears in her eyes, Celine Farinha, the country’s third NGSA scholar was in disbelief when Education Minister, Dr. Roopnaraine visited her school, Peter’s Hall Primary yesterday morning. She was full of life as she expressed her thoughts on her achievement.
“I am very happy, and I would like to thank God (without Him, nothing is possible) and also my parents, who encouraged me throughout the years; my teachers; Sir Sylvester and my friends,” said the cheery student.
She acknowledged that she made sure she studied hard for the exams to secure a top position.

SHREYA PERSAUD
A shy Shreya in speaking with the Guyana Chronicle said she is very happy to have secured third place at the exams. She thanked her parents and teachers for their support, and said she aspires to become a doctor.
According to her father, Shreya has always been a brilliant child, and never scored below 90% in her exams.
“She is very dedicated to her work,” the proud father said. “She used to go to bed ay 11 at nights.”

ISABELLA HUSSAIN
Isabella aspires to be a cardiologist, and is exceedingly happy with her results. She said she would study late every night to ensure she achieved the position she has.
“I used to balance my playtime and my study time and study late every night,” said the confident scholar.
She then thanked her teachers and also her headmistress, and lastly her parents who pushed her to do well.

AFEEFAH LONDON
Coming in at sixth position is Afeefah London, who deems her success as a huge achievement. She said it was tough and tiring while preparing for the exams. However, she noted that all her hard work had paid off.
“I would like to thank my mother and my teachers for all their support,” said the happy child.
London aspires to be a marine biologist. Her mother, a teacher at the very Success Elementary School Afeefah attends, said she is very proud of her daughter, and will forever support her in realising her dreams.

BHEDESH PERSAUD
This remarkable lad from the New Guyana School stunned everyone in expressing his joy towards his achievement. Persaud said he is nothing but overjoyed and happy and has been looking forward to this, as he had studied diligently.
“My routine was basically revision; and it was worth it,” said the lad. He then added that he aspires to become a scientist in the field of research and investigation. The scourse of his inspiration, he said, were last year’s top students, as he told himself, “If they can do it, so can I.”
Lastly, the scholar thanked all his teachers, especially Teacher Melanie, who he said helped him throughout this journey.

REANNA McCURCHIN
Holding the ninth position in the top ten is Reanna Mc Curchin, who aspires to be a lawyer one day. She said she is quite excited and overwhelmed at the same time.
“I went to lessons on Saturdays during summer. I continued studying and trying to do well in my class, and for this I would like to thank Jesus and my parents, as well as all the teachers and staff of St. Margaret’s Primary,” said the young scholar.

TIMUR SINGH
“I used to study every night and every day, and I am happy with my results,” said the smiling lad when the Guyana Chronicle approached him at St. Gabriel’s Primary yesterday.
He said he is overjoyed and happy, and would like to thank his teachers as well as his parents, who all supported him throughout this venture. Like Afeefah London, he too aspires to become a marine biologist.

GIANNI CARPENTERS
It was hard to resist this scholar, since he was quite fluent in delivering his thoughts on his achievement. Carpenters, from the New Guyana School, gained 524 marks.
“It’s a great feeling being one of the top performers; what makes it feel so great is after putting so much hours in and coming out as a top student,” said the beaming student.
“I would come to school, pay attention in class; after leaving school, I would go home and study from 5 to 8, and take a break to eat dinner and study around 10. That’s how it went every day,” he said.
In addressing his thoughts on his career path, a confident Carpenters said he hopes one day to be the President of Guyana.

By Shivanie Sugrim