Top P.S.E. scorers recognized at award ceremony
The results were announced on June fourth and while the average grades were not up to par, twenty six students from public and private schools topped the scores of the Primary School Examinations. They were officially recognized at a ceremony at the Holy Redeemer Parish Hall this morning. Minister of Education Patrick Faber handed over certificates of recognition and excellence, while Mayor Zenaida Moya Flowers was on hand to present the mayor’s award to the top scorer from the Belize District. News Five’s Delahnie Bain attended the award ceremony and has this report.
Delahnie Bain, Reporting
The heavy rain competed with the presenters, but was no match for the applauses as the top twenty-six PSE scorers in the country were recognized. Demi Bellini of Our Lady of Guadalupe RC School in Belmopan received the first and the most rewards. She walked away with the Jane and Michael Nembhard scholarship Award, a laptop and printer among other items.
Delahnie Bain
“What are the awards you’re taking home today?”
Demi Bellini, First Place Countrywide, P.S.E.
“For the country it’s first place and for Social Studies it’s first place as well.”
Delahnie Bain
“How are you feeling right now?”
Demi Bellini
“I’m feeling really proud of myself and glad that all the hard work has paid off.”
Delahnie Bain
“Alright, you’re already working towards high school or you’re gonna take a break for he summer?”
Demi Bellini
“Well, for summer I’m going have classes and then in august high school starts.”
The top twenty-six scorers in the country received certificates of excellence, while the best eleven performers for the Belize District were awarded certificates of recognition. Some students, like Soraye Solis, who placed first in the district and second nationally, received both.
Soraye Solis, Second Place Countrywide, P.S.E.
“I am taking home an award from the mayor for the highest score in Belize City and the district and also a certificate for the second highest score in the country nationally.”
Delahnie Bain
“How are you feeling?”
Soraye Solis
“I’m very happy. I’m just very glad the hard work paid off.”
Angeles Itza, Fifth Place Countrywide, P.S.E.
“I’m feeling very proud of myself but I thought I could have done much better.”
Delahnie Bain
“Have you decided on a high school as yet?”
Angeles Itza
“Yes, I’m going to Corozal Community College. My father is a teacher there so he’s going to help me through the summer.”
Brigette Ruby, Third Place Countrywide, P.S.E.
“I’m taking home a certificate of merit from my minister for coming in third.”
Delahnie Bain
“That’s countrywide right?”
Brigette Ruby
“Yes.”
Delahnie Bain
“Alright, how are you feeling?”
Brigette Ruby
“I feel happy and proud.”
While the awarded students excelled in their exams, the fact remains that the overall results were not impressive. And Minister of Education, Patrick Faber, says something needs to be done.
Patrick Faber, Ministry of Education
“It appears that not much has changed in performance over the past ten years. But even more, we’re learning that the trend is in mathematics, which shows that in at least the last three of the last four years, in excess of seventy percent, almost three quarters of our students have been achieving below a C. Of these, sixty percent have been scoring E’s. Clearly this warrants serious attention.”
Faber says the Ministry will collaborate with other officials in the education system to analyze the performances in math over the past years to determine what the difficulties are. Delahnie Bain for News Five.
Each district will hold separate ceremonies to award their top performers.
