PHILIPSBURG:--- On Tuesday afternoon, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports honored the top performing students for the 2018 FBE Exit Examinations. Of the 509 pupils who sat the exams in May, the overall top three scores, as well as the highest scorers per subject, were awarded certificates by the Ministry. Overall, the top performer was Suhani Nathumal of the St. Dominic Primary School who scored 94%.
Lavanya Budhwani of the Methodist Agogic Centre – Browlia F. Milliard Campus had the second highest score of 91% overall. For the third highest score, there was a tie for 90% between St. Dominic Primary students, Lehar Marata, and Syandra Caesar. Ms. Nathumal also captured the top award for Dutch with 94 % and General Knowledge with 90%. Angeornee Canhigh of the Methodist Agogic Centre Browlia F. Milliard Campus scored 99% in English, while Sameer Kirplani of the Rev. John A. Gumbs Campus garnered 96% in Mathematics.
The Honourable Wycliffe Smith encouraged the students under the theme “Excelling Against The Odds”. Smith said, “Undoubtedly, there were some extra hours of study while your peers slept or played. You worked hard to accomplish what we celebrate today and I encourage you to keep excelling regardless of the circumstances that are around you. Now, you have begun a new journey in secondary education. Challenges are sure to come. Some may seem greater than the catastrophic Irma. Yet, you are poised to exceed the average expectation because you have already pushed your limits to higher heights.”
To the parents, the minister said, “It is your footprints that they have walked in, where now they blaze a trail of excellence for others to follow. You showed them that there is nothing too great for them to accomplish despite the circumstances. You supported their dreams, provided them with resources, and showered them with love in the good and the bad times.
“I expect that you too will rise to these new heights and hold the proverbial lamp for the late-night studies. Continue to keep track of their assignments and topics being learned. Make the sandwiches for the group studies. Monitor the social media influence, while providing meaningful periods of relaxation with family and friends. You have earned the right to feel proud of these accomplishments today, but this is only the beginning. After high school will come college – baccalaureate, master’s and possibly doctoral studies. Prepare them for life away from home, and instill in them that, when their studies are done, ‘there is no place like home’.”
In addition to their certificates from the Ministry, and considering the reduced budget of the Government Administration, the Honourable Minister Smith used personal funds to purchase gifts for each student, as well as an extra prize for the top performer, Suhani. He was assisted during the presentations by Mrs. Yvette Halley, head of the Division of Examinations. He wished all the students much success in their future endeavors.
http://www.smn-news.com/st-maarten-st-martin-news/30016-fbe-top-performers-awarded.html
