Keenan Falconer's a hard act to follow
Published:Friday | August 19, 2011 | 12:00 AM
Getting oneself on the honour roll at a school as competitive as Ardenne High is a difficult task, but Keenan Falconer was able to accomplish just that during his time there.
Keenan's five years of academic success has culminated with 10 distinctions in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate.
The subjects are mathematics, English A, biology, chemistry, physics, principles of business, information technology, French, Spanish and geography.
The scholar was the top student of the graduating class, a position he said he is accustomed to, after scoring in the 90s on a yearly basis.
Copping high grades is difficult for some persons, but one thing for sure is that it was close to a walkover for Keenan.
"I feel great. My hard work has definitely paid off. It was not difficult because I put my shoulder to the wheel in everything that I did," he explained.
Keenan said his parents' support and his strong belief in God have helped him to be successful.
The 17-year-old, who won a number of medals and trophies for academic achievement while at Ardenne, said he would be moving on to sixth form and then a career in either forensic science or chemical engineering.
The latest of his awards came in June when he was presented with the American Ambassador's Academic Achievement Award. He was among a number of students on the island who were awarded for outstanding performance for their schools.
He also held a number of leadership positions such as form captain, student counsellor and prefect.
Balanced schedule
Despite his already busy schedule, which he had to balance with his studies, he was still involved in extra-curricular activities which included the Spanish, Debating and Aviation clubs.
But Keenan has been a hard act to follow for years, having won a government scholarship to Ardenne and placing first in The Gleaner's Children's Own Essay Competition and second in the 2006 and 2007 Gleaner Spelling Bee competition for St Andrew.
His achievements came as no surprise to his parents, Debbie and Mervyn Falconer, who said they would be surprised if he had done anything less.
"I am elated. I feel like I am over the moon. When I saw the results, I felt like I was on cloud nine. I am still singing praises and thanks to God," his father said.
His mother was equally ecstatic.
"He is a high motivator. You don't have to encourage him much. He set his timetable from grade three and he's been working from it from that time," she said.
"I knew he would have done well because he put a lot of effort in it. I thank the Lord because I knew with His blessings and our support, he would have done well," she added.