Long time competitors forge lasting bond on road to the PM’s Award

by Ari Shaw

From Left: Elzicho Debique and David Dunn

DeBique and David Dunn, two exceptionally talented students from the St Vincent and the Grenadines Community College’s (SVGCC) Division of Arts Science and General Studies (DASGS), have not only defied academic challenges but have also managed to foster a unique friendship that has propelled them to new heights.

The duo received the prestigious Prime Minister’s Award at the School’s Independence Rally at Victoria Park on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone in their journey of academic achievement.

Elzicho and David’s impressive academic feats began while they were students of the St Vincent Grammar School, where they competed with each other for the top position in their classes.

In an interview with SEARCHLIGHT, Elzicho reflected on his relationship with David as a competitive friendship that was formed in secondary school.

“I’d say there was a fair bit of competitive rivalry throughout the entirety of secondary school, but more so at Forms 4 and 5,” he said, adding that they had mostly been in the same classes throughout their academic career.

“We’d be competing for the top position in the class,” Elzicho concluded, “I’m simply happy that after all our years of competition, we have both proved ourselves to be worthy of the award.”

David also commented on their friendship, stating that both friends often collaborated on past paper questions and studied together at the SVGCC library.
“Elzicho and I are good friends. We encouraged each other over the years to achieve the best of our abilities.”

Dunn added that both he and Elzicho sat common subjects at CAPE in Pure Math, Physics and Chemistry.

Elzicho DeBique overcame distractions

Elzicho opened up about his academic journey, reflecting on the struggles he faced in the modern world filled with distractions.

“I’d say that it’s been difficult. With so many mediums that act as distractions in this day and age, I often found myself struggling to focus on schoolwork. This caused me to procrastinate on assignments, even forgetting about them at times. Nonetheless, I cultivated the will to persevere, which led to where I am today, and for that, I am most proud,” he candidly shared with SEARCHLIGHT.

Elzicho, 18, holds 13 grade one passes at CSEC.

At CAPE – Unit 1, he achieved grade one passes in Pure Math, Chemistry, Physics and Computer Science and a grade two for Communication Studies. For his Unit 2 courses, he obtained grade ones for Pure Math, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science and Caribbean Studies.

As for his motivations, Elzicho revealed that his family has driven him to the best he can be, academically or otherwise. He named his mother, Petra Burnett Debique, his bother Davaskye DeBique and his uncle Allan Burnett as the main contributors on his academic journey.
“My other motivation is the desire to be someone who can contribute greatly to the society he lives in, specifically in the technological field,” he added.
Looking ahead, Elzicho aspires to further his studies in either Computer Science or some form of engineering, perhaps Civil or Electrical.

David Dunn grateful for the support

David Dunn, on the other hand, spoke highly of the support he received during his academic journey.

He expressed gratitude, saying, “I received great support at every stage of my academic journey. All of my teachers were devoted to ensuring that we received the best education possible. My friends shared the same passion for Science as I did, and we worked well together. I enjoyed every moment of it.”

David holds 12 CSEC subjects, all grade ones.

At CAPE, he achieved grade one passes in both the Unit 1 and 2 modules for Biology, Physics, Chemistry, and Pure Math. He also received a grade one pass in Communication Studies.

David told SEARCHLIGHT he enjoys expanding his knowledge of the scientific world and is fuelled by the unwavering support of his family and friends.

As he looks to the future, David is contemplating various opportunities in the field of Science and is leaning towards studying medical physics, a discipline that combines all the subjects he enjoys.