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Top boy, girl celebrate at CPFSA wards of the State ceremony

Published:Saturday | August 4, 2018 | 12:00 AMJodi-Ann Gilpin/Gleaner Writer
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Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information Floyd Green converses with three wards of the State at the Child Protection and Family Services Agency Education Transitioning Forum held recently at the Jamaica Conference Centre, downtown Kingston. The agency also recognised 157 children who sat the Grade Six Achievement Test. The event was staged to prepare the students to make a smooth transition to high school.
Jamaica Cultural Development Commission 2017 gold medallist and student at the Jessie Ripoll Primary School, Courtney Greaves, performs a cultural item at the Child Protection and Family Services Agency’s Education Transitioning Forum held recently at the Jamaica Conference Centre in downtown Kingston. Seated at left is Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information Floyd Green.
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Selassie Henry expects that with continued encouragement and guidance, he will be able to maintain high averages similar to what he achieved in the recent Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT).

Henry was recently awarded for being the top boy islandwide at the Child Protection and Family Services Agency Education Transitioning Forum and Awards Ceremony, where wards of the State and foster children were recognised for their exceptional performances in GSAT. His average was 92 per cent, and he moves on to the Manning's School in Westmoreland.

The 11-year-old admitted that he might not have had a rigorous experience like his peers but said he had to be deliberate about being focused.

"It (preparation) was fun. I didn't study a lot, but I tried my best to work hard. I was a little shaky with mathematics, but I got better," he said.

"I was very happy because I got my school of choice. After the things I heard about today (at the conference) and what they spoke to be about, I think it (the transition) will be ok."

Azaria Reece, who was recognised as the top girl islandwide, had somewhat of a different story as she noted that there were many sleepless nights and sacrifices. Reece gained an 89 per cent average and moves on to the Cedar Grove Academy in St Catherine.

"It (preparation) was good and hard at the same time. I had to stay up very late at night. I had to go to extra lessons, and sometimes after school I [would] go to my teacher for her to explain things that I don't understand," Reece told The Gleaner.

"I struggle with nervousness, but I believed in myself. I was amazed at the results, I really wanted to go to St Andrew (High School for Girls). I am always being encouraged to keep on trying and to never give up."

jodi-ann.gilpin@gleanerjm.com