PEP-topping classmates earn first-choice Herbert Morrison pick
Published:Saturday | July 8, 2023 | 12:14 AMAshley Anguin/Gleaner Writer
FRIENDS AND classmates Shante Johnson and Javante Harding, students of Somerton Primary & Infant School in St James, were honoured as the overall top-performing boy and girl in the East Central St James constituency following this year’s sitting of the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examinations.
Harding and Johnson, who are the first students from the school to achieve such an accomplishment, were among the 122 PEP students who were recognised and awarded during the East Central St James Scholarship and Welfare Fund’s 26th annual education awards function, held at the Half Moon Conference room in St James on Thursday.
Eleven-year-old Johnson, who lives in Somerton and was placed at her first-choice Herbert Morrison Technical High School for the upcoming September term, got a score of 345.9 in the PEP exam.
Johnson, who aspires to become an artist, told The Gleaner that she feels her achievement has made her parents proud.
“It was something I was aiming towards but I was not sure that it would be me who got the overall top girl. I am happy that I am going to Herbert Morrison because my friends are coming, and that my brother is already there, so I will have someone to walk and talk with,” said Johnson.
With a score of 338.4 in the PEP exam, 12-year-old Harding, who aspires to be an entrepreneur, said he feels ecstatic with being the overall top boy.
“I was working towards getting the top overall boy because I wanted to make my teachers and family proud. I was surprised I got it because I didn’t know I did so well. I plan on having fun and doing my best when I go to Herbert Morrison,” he said.
Harding and Johnson were among 27 students from 14 primary schools in St James East Central who were the top-performing boys and girls at their schools. Two schools outside the constituency were also given special recognition.
The Somerton Primary and Infant School duo, along with the other 25 students, will each receive education grants of $20,000 over a seven-year period, totalling $140,000 per student, on condition that they maintain a B-grade average during their time in high school.
Always focused
Jacqueline Smith, the students’ teacher, said: “Both them were always so focused. Overall they were disciplined, well behaved and completed tasks when given. I am extremely elated, you know, knowing that hard work really pays off at times. Over the years I gave them that extra push for them to perform, even at times when I might not be feeling well, I have to push myself to go the extra mile so that they can really perform.”
St James East Central Member of Parliament, Edmund Bartlett, said: “Somerton Primary has always done well. It is not the biggest school in the constituency but each year the academic performance has always been at a high level.
“I am not surprised they would provide us with the top two students this year,” Bartlett said with enthusiasm.
“I am delighted because what it says is that rural schools do have the potential to shine and they have grades that they got were what I thought could put them into contention for possible scholarships,” he added.
Khimar Johnson, Johnson’s mother, described her daughter as always having a winning spirit from a very young age.
“From infant stage as a student you didn’t have to push her very hard to get things done, she uses initiative easily. As for the overall top girl, I was so excited and I kept telling her I know you could do it and she kept on telling me I will do it, so when she did it, it was amazing,” a proud Johnson explained.
“The fact that her father, who lives overseas, came down just for the scholarship awards and saw her getting the award was such a wonderful moment for the family. She always wants to do her best,” she added.
Johnson’s older brother is her role model, as she would emulate him.
Jodi-Ann Clarke, Harding’s mother, said her son is a disciplined child who is quiet and humble.
“I was so shocked yesterday when we found out and I feel so very proud of him. Even now mi still cah believe because mi never expect it because a lot of other schools were there,” Clarke said.
“When the gentleman on the mic said this is the moment you are all waiting for and him say the top boy and girl is going to Herbert Morrison, mi still never really pay it no mind. When mi hear him name call, I couldn’t believe” she said jovially.