On Tuesday the Success Elementary School hosted its fifth annual prize giving and graduating ceremony at the National Cultural Centre in honour of its performance at the 2015 National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) which resulted in the institution producing the largest of number of students in the top one percent including Solomon Cherai, the country’s top performer.
Cherai commended both teachers and his parents for their support and said he was “humbled by the honours he received and praised God for looking at his low estate and exalting him.”
The valedictorian recalled the period of preparation prior to the assessment as one filled with distractions which could have hindered any student but said it was the leadership of the teachers, all of whom were steadfast in equipping the students to effectively tackle the examination with confidence.
Further, the top student said the teachers had a certain zeal which fostered a spirit of competiveness, which when combined with the faith his parents had in his ability ultimately resulted in his success. Besides, he said sacrifice and discipline were also necessary ingredients to his accomplishment.
Cherai urged his fellow students to choose their friends wisely and respect the rules of the school which they will attend. Of equal importance, he said to his peers that as they transition to another level, “they should reach for the stars” and to those preparing to sit the 2016 NGSA, he urged them “to work hard and burn the midnight oil.”
And in a public note to himself, Cherai promised to always follow the principles taught by his parents and teachers no matter what the situation may be.
First Lady Sandra Granger delivered the feature address and charge to the students.
During her presentation, she congratulated the students for their achievements and encouraged them to continue working hard since “one can be and do anything that s/he wants if the emphasis and focus remains on education.”
The First Lady reminded the audience of Guyana’s need for an emphasis on education and of the sectors in need of improvement simultaneously, she challenged the students to be fully aware of the world around them and of the requirement for growth and development. She also urged the students to take heed of the advice of senior citizens.
The school’s principal, Eleanor Shivmangal in her address to the gathering noted the dedication of the teachers who were consistent in their commitment to their duty. She also urged parents to spend more time with their children and make a valuable contribution towards their development since the teachers alone cannot do it.
Several issues of concern were noted by the principal among which was the noncompliance by some parents with the school’s rules and dress code but of greater importance was the small percentage of decline in the 2015 mathematics result. As it related to the slight decline, Shivmangal urged the parents not to worry as the school has already embarked on a summer programme to address that issue.
Children, she said, must learn to read and discipline is the hallmark for success in any institution. Involvement in extracurricular activities is an area of needed improvement. Shivmangal noted that not enough students are getting involved and she urged parents to give more support to the activities planned by the school.
Shivmangal admonished the teachers not to dismiss any child as weak without devising a strategy to work with him or her. Further, she said teachers should apply modern techniques while teaching.
Although the institution’s performance was pleasing, Shivmangal said the school will be re-examining its principles and policies to ensure continued and improved progress.
The school’s overall performance also secured the second and third highest performers in the country with Shania Eastman and Afeefah London gaining 529 and 525 marks respectively.
Individually, Cherai also copped the top place in Mathematics, securing 137 and Science 132 marks respectively. The top student in English went to Beyonce Nelson securing a total of 132 marks, while Solomon shared places with Diana Charles, Shania Eastman and Sarona Fraser who all acquired the same 132 marks for Social Studies.
