Christian education pays off for Shieann Neysmith
Published:Thursday | June 9, 2016 | 12:00 AMGareth Davis Sr
Port Antonio, Portland:
Young, gifted, and talented, are probably the most fitting descriptions of Shieann Georgianne Neysmith, who since being temporarily relocated to St Ann from Portland, due to educational opportunities, is excelling academically and spiritually.
Now in her third year at St Ann's Bay High School, a Seventh-day Adventist institution, Neysmith was recognised and awarded earlier this week for her Top of the Class performance in grade 9.
The 15-year-old honour student told Family and Religion: "I am just thanking and praising God for His blessings.
"It is not easy to perform at my highest, as oftentimes, I am distracted as I am away from my mother and father for several months. However, with my grandmother and little brother around, it motivates me to do my best, and coupled with my Christian upbringing, I am growing in confidence. Our family worship in the mornings is a plus. And when I am feeling down, I confide in my Jesus," she added.
ADVENTIST EDUCATION
Her mother and father took the painful decision to relocate both children to St Ann more than four years ago, in order to ensure that they received an Adventist education and upbringing. Neysmith, though admitting that she misses her parents, pointed out that it was a wise decision on their part - having long since recognised the importance of a Christian education.
The teen, who lists her hobbies as reading, watching television, listening to gospel music, and baking, is already making plans for college, where she intends to major in teaching, nursing, or social work.
Continuing, Neysmith said, "Christian values and attitude are necessary at this time, as there are so many distractions out there. If one is not careful or conscious, one can be easily deceived. The basic upbringing that states before one becomes a mother, one should be a woman, is a realistic one. I am from humble beginnings, but one thing is certain, I will strive for excellence and in doing so, I will continue to maintain my Christian values."