A number of top 2009 academic and vocational students were awarded yesterday for their outstanding performances when the Ministry of Education held its annual National Award Ceremony for Outstanding Performance.

This year’s top CSEC performer, Kia Persaud poses with three trophies awarded her at yesterday’s ceremony.

The award ceremony recognized outstanding performance at the National Grade Six Assessment, National Grade Nine Examinations, Caribbean Secondary Edu-cation Examinations, Carib-bean Advanced Proficiency Examinations and the General Certificate of Education.

Additionally, the best Caribbean Secondary Educa-tion Certificate science performers were also honoured.

QC’s Rizwan Saffie (right) and Dinesh Sukhu tied for the top position with four A’s each at this year’s Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE).

One of QC’s top CAPE performers, Yana Marissa Edwards.

Awards were also given to outstanding students from the Guyana Technical Institute in the areas of craft, advanced craft, technician diploma and science diploma, diplomas in business and science and business certificate.

Top performers of the Carnegie School of Home Economics in the fields of household management, catering and hospitality and garment construction were also rewarded.

Tagore Memorial School earned the title of most improved junior secondary school while St. Roses High received top honours for being the most improved senior secondary school at the Caribbean Secondary Educa-tion Certificate Examinations. The prize for the most improved primary school went to J.E. Burnham Primary.

Larissa Wiltshire, this year’s top Grade Six performer poses with her trophy.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, who delivered the charge to the students, encouraged them to keep striving for excellence. He reminded them that “the sky is the limit.” He also presented the awards.

Hundreds of students from various participating schools and other institutions along with their teachers flocked the  National Cultural Centre in support of those receiving awards.