–Essequibo Islands Secondary tops Region Three

THE Essequibo Islands Secondary School has once again proven to be a powerhouse of academic excellence, with three of its students from Wakenaam delivering outstanding performances at this year’s Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations. The school, which has become a familiar name in the national spotlight for its consistent, high achievers, has cemented its reputation with another remarkable showing.

Leading the way is Sheliza Amin, who secured an impressive 14 Grade Ones, followed closely by Shania Walcott with 13 Grade Ones and three Grade Twos, and Arianna Duncan with 11 Grade Ones and four Grade Twos. Together, these young women have not only brought pride to their school but also to their island, Wakenaam, and the wider Region Three.

For Sheliza, discipline and vision kept her grounded. She admitted that managing her time and avoiding procrastination were her greatest challenges, but the unwavering support of those around her pushed her to stay focused.

“What kept me motivated was the thought of the long-term benefits that would come from my hard work,” she shared. With aspirations of pursuing a business career, Sheliza encouraged future exam-takers to surround themselves with positive influences, manage their time wisely, and develop a learning strategy that works best for them.

Shania, who balanced lessons, SBAs, and extra classes, echoed the reality of exam stress but emphasised resilience. Her motivation stemmed from the desire to make her family, teachers, and island proud. Despite moments of exhaustion and procrastination, she found creative ways to stay engaged, including a study app on TikTok that allowed her to compete with friends.
Looking ahead, Shania plans to continue her studies at CAPE before advancing to university. Her advice to students was both reassuring and encouraging: “CXC is not as difficult as it seems. Approach it as an ordinary examination you can pass with confidence.”

For Arianna, discipline rather than fleeting motivation was the key to success. “Motivation can disappear during stressful times, but discipline is what carried me through,” she explained.

Her strategy was to focus on her weaker areas while still revising her stronger ones, a balance that reduced exam anxiety. Arianna is now setting her sights on studying International Relations at the University of Guyana before furthering her education at the University of the West Indies. She advised students to “start early and stay consistent,” a formula she believes is crucial for success.

The achievements of these three young women reflect not only their personal determination but also the dedication of their teachers and the supportive environment fostered at the Essequibo Islands Secondary School. Their success stands as a testament to the potential of students from Wakenaam and beyond, proving that with hard work, discipline, and the right support, excellence is always within reach.

As Region Three celebrates these accomplishments, Sheliza, Shania, and Arianna’s journeys will no doubt inspire the next generation of students to aim high and persevere, despite the challenges.