The top students in P.S.E. honored
The brightest students in the P.S.E were recognized today for academic excellence. Over seven thousand students sat the exam earlier this year, but hundreds of them failed the annual test. The average test scores for this year largely remained the same, but Math was very dismal with about half of the students failing, while Social Studies on the other hand saw a marked improvement. But the top twenty-five from across the country did exceptionally well in Math, Science, Social Studies and English. And to award the hard work, they were hosted at an awards ceremony in Belize City. Andrea Polanco was there and has more.
Andrea Polanco, Reporting
Families, teachers and students gathered to see the top twenty-five performers in the Primary School Examination be recognized for academic excellence. The top students received certificates and scholarships. But to get a good grade in the exam didn’t happen overnight for these young minds. Placing first overall in the P.S.E is Curt Smith of the Bernice York Institute of Learning. Smith says to achieve the grades he did meant sacrifice, but it also just something to accomplish on his journey to fulfill his lifelong dream.
Curt Smith, 1st Place in P.S.E
Curt Smith
“This meant giving up many of my favorite past-times – such as playing table tennis, riding my bike, my phone, games, TV shows and programmes. I had to give up these hobbies, challenge myself and work very hard since I was not prepared to give up my favorite hobby – playing the violin, which I still had to give up when the pressure and work load became too overwhelming. Ultimately this achievement inspires me more to follow my goal which is to continue along the path of excellence in high school and college; and hopefully win a scholarship to a university to pursue my career as an international pilot. The discipline and good academic background attained from BYI will definitely help me to attain my goal and dream of becoming a pilot and ultimately open my very pilot school right here in Belize.”
For obtaining the highest mark in the P.S.E, Curt Smith was awarded with the Michael Nembhard Award. Smith also took a host of prizes and awards, including first for English and Mathematics in the P.S.E . Twenty-nine other students also received certificates of excellence for placing in the top twenty-five overall. Eighteen of the students were from the Belize District; four from Orange Walk; three from Corozal; three from the Cayo District; and two from Toledo.
Devyne Lopez
Devyne Lopez, 3rd Place in P.S.E
“Please also allow me to bid special welcome to Punta Gorda Methodist School and St Peter Claver School, who have come to join Leeanne and myself in this occasion. It gives me great pleasure to share with all of you here the joy and achievements of our outstanding students at this year’s national PSE awards ceremony. Please allow me also to sound the trumpet – the south is finally here and by the grace of God we aim from this day forward to be among the best and the best of Belize’s elementary school system.”
Minister of Education Patrick Faber says that quality early childhood education is critical for development at all stages.
Patrick Faber, Minister of Education
Patrick Faber
“If we want to have the kind of long term impact on education, we need to give children the best possible start. Giving children the best start in life is indeed one of the most important investments we can make in their future and indeed in our future.”
