As the 2015 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination results were revealed on Thursday, a 17-year-old female student from the Saraswati Vidya Niketan (SVN) School was named the country’s top CSEC performer.

The Education Ministry has disclosed that some 172 students from regions across the country have attained Grade One passes in eight or more subjects from the Caribbean Examination Council. Of this a list was issued with those candidates who secured 11 or more Grade Ones, amount to 47 students.

Crediting hard work and support from loved ones, the country’s top CSEC performers were elated to learn about their achievements when they were contacted by <<<Guyana Times>>>>. Seventeen-year-old Victoria Najab of SVN topped the country with a whopping 20 Grade Ones. She is currently out of the country but told this newspaper via social media that while she was excited about the news, she was expecting to do well.

“I was (expecting to do well) but still, it could have gone either way because there are many brilliant children who wrote exams this year… (But) the exams were all very easy not what I was expecting,” she stated. Najab noted that she was relaxed throughout the examinations and was confident afterwards that she would have done well. She recalled how stressful it was preparing for the exams and the difficulties she experienced; however, she managed to balance it all.

The teenager told Guyana Times that she opted to write 20 subjects because she wanted to achieve the best. “I didn’t want to write CSEC knowing that I could’ve done better,” she declared.

The aspiring Petroleum Engineer disclosed that she plans to further her studies and write A Level exams, after which she hopes to attend the Colorado School of Mines to pursue her desired career. She credited her success to her parents, teachers and God. Meanwhile her dad, Mohammed Najab of Najab Trading, indicated to this publication that he was not surprised at his daughter’s performance.

Another SVN student, Vamanadev Hiralall copped the second spot with 19 Grade Ones and one Grade Two. He told this publication that the news came as a surprise since he was not expecting to do this well.

The 16-year-old revealed that when his mother informed him of the news, he could not believe it. “It was chaotic in my mind… I was both excited and relieved; relieved because it was extremely difficult the past few weeks without knowing my results. I don’t think it’s good to overestimate yourself so while I knew I would do well, I didn’t think it would be this well,” he stated.

Hiralall pointed out that while he is still undecided about his career choice, he is sure it would be in the medical field, preferably a Cardiologist or a Radiologist. He expressed his gratitude to the SVN and his parents, whom he said “indescribably”, supported him.

Coming in third was Aliyah Rasheed from Queenstown Village on the Essequibo Coast. She secured 19 Grade Ones. The young lady told this newspaper that although the examinations were challenging, she is elated over her success, “Honestly, I am feeling overjoyed and ecstatic at the moment, I did not expect such good grades but God and the teachers made it possible,” she declared.

The aspiring Chemical Engineer extended gratitude to Sir Jerome Rajpersaud and ‘Sir Rishi’, who helped her to prepare for the exams. However, she noted that her greatest inspiration was her sister, Zameena Rasheed who copped first position for CSEC in the Caribbean in 2013. She said she received much needed encouragement from her sister who told her to never give up.

Topping Queen’s College was Joshanna Hopkinson, who noted that when she first found out, she was extremely elated, noting “It is just incredible that I achieved this and I felt very accomplished right now”. According to Hopkinson, her future plans entail her writing the CAPE exam and then furthering her studies at university, as she would like to become a lawyer or a legal journalist or both.

Meanwhile, Ashley Anthony, the daughter of former Culture Youth and Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, credited her success to her parents and sister for their unwavering support, as well as her friends for keeping her motivated. Anthony, who achieved 17 Grade Ones stated that “My results have made me euphoric. However, it was a lot of hard work. Preparing for CSEC often means a lot of late nights and studying, but it isn’t impossible and is definitely worth it!,” the QC student remarked.

In sixth place is another student from Anna Region Secondary School, Jagindra Persaud of Adventure Village. He copped 17 Grade Ones and one Grade Two. The 16-year-old said that he is happy as this was what he was expecting. Persaud noted that he put in a lot of hard work into his preparations for exams and was glad it paid off, as it paves the path for him to pursuing his studies in the medical field.

Meanwhile, with 16 Grade Ones, Abigail Somrah said that it was difficult managing her studies and completing the SBAs at the same. Nevertheless, the Queen’s College student managed to get both done and come out successful but only with the help of her teachers, great friend and supportive family.

Another Queens College student, Paige Carter, said she is contented with her performance and feels as though all her hard work has paid off. The aspiring Paediatrician thanked everyone who contributed and supported her.

Meanwhile, her fellow schoolmate Kadesh Daniels achieved 14 Grade Ones and three Grade Twos. She was extremely ecstatic about her results, noting the road here was not an easy one; between the lessons, SBA’s and studying. “There were tears and many times I questioned myself but with the support of my family, pastor, friends and teachers I was able to do it,” the aspiring Pathologist.

Finally, Shawn Shewram of St Roses High secured 14 Grade Ones and two Grade Twos. The St Rose’s High student related that after hearing such exciting news, he was ecstatic as well as relieved. He credited his success to God, his teachers, friends and his mother.