Chryste cops top CXC award

by J. Soso-Vincent 13.FEB.09

If Chryste DaSilva’s educational track record is anything to judge by, the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) award that she received on Wednesday, February 11, will be one in a long line of accolades she will gain throughout her life.{{more}}

At the presentation ceremony, which was held at the SVG Community College, Glen Campus, DaSilva was presented with a CXC award for Most Outstanding Student in the May/June 2008 Caribbean Secondary Education Council (CSEC) examinations. She gained Grade 1 passes in 12 CSEC subjects – many of them being distinctions.

The award was a joint venture between CXC and the US Embassy in Barbados. US Embassy Consular Officer Jamal Al-Mussawi presented DaSilva with a cheque for US$500, whilst GHS Headmistress Andrea Bowman presented the plaque.

The 17-year-old Indian Bay resident, who is currently in her first year at the SVGCC, was visibly elated at her award and admitted that it had come as a bit of a surprise. “This is a very humbling experience for me,” she gushed. Deeply religious, she attributed her success to her faith in God. “To God be the glory!” she declared, which was met with nods of agreement from the audience.

DaSilva was especially thankful to her parents Hubert and Jasmine DaSilva, friends and teachers for all their encouragement and support. “No man is an island, so I thank all those who contributed to my education.” She also expressed her gratitude to CXC, the US Embassy and the Ministry of Education.

In his remarks, Jamal Al-Mussawi congratulated DaSilva on her success, and explained that the collaboration between CXC and his department came about by way of fostering academic excellence amongst students in the Caribbean region. Al-Mussawi pointed out that similar presentations are being made to outstanding students in Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica.

Senior Education Officer Carlton Hall described DaSilva’s achievement as a “superior performance”. In his remarks he rationalized that outstanding academic achievement should always be recognized because it encourages other youth to follow suit. “I trust that her accomplishments and this presentation will serve to motivate other students to strive for high levels of academic achievement…”

No stranger to success, DaSilva placed 1st for girls and 2nd overall in the 2003 Common Entrance Examinations. Currently, she has ambitions of pursuing a career in Veterinary Medicine, and is studying Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and Communication Studies.