SUMEHRA Jardine and Alyann Adolphus, both of Bartica, tied with 512 marks at this year’s National Grade Six Assessment, both sharing the top spot for Cuyuni-Mazaruni (Region Seven).

Jardine is from St. John the Baptist Primary School and Adolphus from High Achievers Institute of Learning. When Guyana Chronicle spoke to the children, they both were elated. Adolphus said that she is very proud of herself because she worked really hard for the top spot. “My performance was what I expected because I worked very hard for it.

I must thank God for his help because I prayed and asked God to help me do well in these exams. My mother as well worked very hard with me, my teachers and my entire family,” little Adolphus said. Her mother, Stacy McCubbin, said that the entire family is extremely proud. She noted that from since Grade one, her daughter was a 90’s achiever and worked independently to ensure all her work was completed.

Meanwhile, Dr Jillian Jardine, mother of Sumehra, expressed similar sentiments. She said that Sumehra has always been very disciplined from Grade One, and was doing exceedingly well right through her school years. However, although much was expected of Sumehra, Dr. Jardine said that she outdid their expectations.

Sumehra said that when she heard her results on the radio, she was in shock. She said that she was not expecting to top her school, and further, her region. “I feel really excited and I’m going to work very hard to continue doing well at my new school,” she said.

The two girls attended the same nursery school and were best friends, but they were separated when their parents decided to send them to different primary schools. They, however, will be reunited at Saints Stanislaus College, come September. Both girls expressed much excitement for the new journey that lies ahead, and they both are aspiring doctors. Following closely behind the girls, Alex Mohabir from St. Anthony’s Primary scored 504 and secured a spot at St. Rose’s High.

His teacher told this newspaper that she always admired his dedication and commitment towards his work and his desire to always strive to achieve the best. “Whatever challenges he was faced with during the period of study, even the passing of his dear grandmother, whom he was close to, he still didn’t lose focus on the main goal at hand. That experience proved his resilience which also inspired me as a teacher.

Alex would always ensure that he is present at school and all extra classes in the afternoon and on Saturdays to master past examination papers,” Miss Andrea said. Also in the top ten for the region was Kevin Browne of Jawalla Primary who scored 485, Reagan Edwards of 72 Miles Primary– 484; Simeon Sears, St John the Baptist Primary- – 481; Nasiya Hastings, Kako Primary– 479; Malachi Mahadeo, Cianna Ketwaroo and Angelena Johnson of St John the Baptist Primary, scored 477,474 and 473, respectively.