Nicholous Kanhai sat eight subjects and among them, secured five grade one passes, while Keishon Gardener sat eight subjects with two grade one passes, the Ministry of Education said via a news release.

Nicholous Kanhai, 17 is Guyanese born, who migrated to the territory as an infant. He graduated as the Bregado Flax Educational Centre class of 2020 valedictorian.

He attained grade one passes in English, which he did last year, Mathematics, Principle of Accounts, Principle of Business, Information Technology and Electronic Document Preparation Management (EDPM).

Additionally, he obtained a grade two pass in Integrated science and grade threes in Social-Studies and Spanish.

“The road to CXC was a little difficult, but it wasn’t impossible. The (Coronavirus Disease) pandemic presented me with a challenge as I was unable to physically meet with my teachers to have extra classes to prepare for the exam. Luckily, we were able to arrange classes via platforms like Webex and WhatsApp,” he said.

He added, “As curfew restrictions began to relax, I was able to visit the homes of some teachers to have classes. I did feel anxious during the preparation process, but I trusted in God and had the support from my teachers and family to ensure I did well.”

He is currently pursuing an associates degree in finance at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College and aims to have a career in this field.

Advice to Students

“My advise to other students would be to don’t wait until the last minute to make preparations. The exams require sufficient preparation, and if you fail to do so, then you will be unsuccessful. I encourage you to constantly review the concepts learnt in class even if it’s only for a half-hour a day whether you do this by watching YouTube videos, practising past papers, or simply reading the notes. A quote that encouraged me to stay focused is by Frank Ocean, and it states, “Work hard in silence, let your success be your noise,” he stated.

Gardener Success

Keishon Letrell Jammar Gardener, who recently turned 18, is a native of New York, USA.

“I consider myself to be a very polite, humble and outgoing person. At least that is what the elderly folk in my surrounding area tell me. I like reading, watching documentaries and playing video games to pass the time. I also play basketball which I played for my school’s team and travelled over St. Thomas on numerous occasions to participate in tournaments,” he told BVI Platinum News on Monday, September 28.

He added, “As for my academic success, contrary to what other people may think I feel like I underachieved graduating a valedictorian from primary school meant that a lot of people expected me to excel in high school in which I did what some would say above average, but not to my full potential.”

He said despite not having his parents around all the time, because his mother is employed on another island, his family was very supportive and wanted him to do great things.

This, he said, kept him from following friends and staying on the streets being idle.

He attained grade one passes in English, Physical Education and Information Technology, grade twos in Biology, EDPM, Mathematics, Human Social Biology, Chemistry and a grade three in Geography.

Top Performers

Of the 358 students who wrote the examinations, 15 students passed a total of 8 subjects, 20 students passed a total of 7 subjects and 22 students passed a total of 6 subjects, the Ministry of Education said.

Bregado Flax Educational Centre

Nicholous Kanhai – 8 subjects with 5 Grade I passes

Keishon Gardener – 8 subjects with 2 Grade I passes

Elmore Stoutt High School

Shonari Winter – 7 subjects with 7 Grade I passes

Rennisha Rodgers – 8 subjects with 6 Grade I passes

Kristin Abraham – 8 subjects with 5 Grade I passes

Kaeli Alphonso – 8 subjects with 5 Grade I passes

Michaela Potter – 8 subjects with 4 Grade I passes

Celeste Waterman – 7 subjects with 4 Grade I passes

Jinnella Davis – 8 subjects with 5 Grade I passes

Roiley Christopher – 7 subjects with 2 Grade I passes

BVI Seventh-day Adventist School

Kayla Manning – 8 subjects with 4 Grade I passes

Roequan Hemerding – 8 subjects with 3 Grade I passes

Matthew Murray – 8 subjects with 3 Grade I passes

La Tisha Brown – 7 subjects with 3 Grade I passes

St. George’s Secondary School

Iain Smith – 8 subjects with 7 Grade I passes

Chad Willock – 8 subjects with 4 Grade I passes

Olivia Freeman – 8 subjects with 3 Grade I passes

Nyasha Yadram – 8 subjects with 2 Grade I passes

Kehaulani McMillan – 8 subjects with 1 Grade I pass