The nation’s top performer in this year’s A’ Level examinations say she is “in shock” though “happy” that she emerged number one.{{more}}

“I’m really happy. I am elated. A little bit in shock, but I am grateful that I was able to achieve such success,” Courtnae Bailey told SEARCHLIGHT by telephone Wednesday.

“I probably wouldn’t have expected it many years ago, but I know the amount of studying I put in and I am grateful …” said Bailey, who is reading for a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill campus.

The Ministry of Education said in a press release Wednesday that Bailey topped the list of six students “deemed to have the best claims” to the national scholarship awards.

The release from Permanent Secretary Nicole Bonadie-Baker, said Bailey’s performance was the most outstanding.

She recorded Grade A in geography; Grade 1 in communication studies; environmental science, units 1 and 2, respectively and pure mathematics unit 1. She also recorded a Grade 2 in pure mathematics, unit 2.

Bailey, the daughter of George and Evelyn Bailey, will receive the Prime Minister’s Award and a five-year university scholarship.

“It was a lot of practice, especially with maths. I spent a lot of time doing that,” Bailey told SEARCHLIGHT of her preparations for the exams.

“And environmental science and geography, I have to give credit to my teachers, because they are the ones who would bring questions for me to practise. But most importantly, even though I did study, the key factor was God, because I had to ask him to give me the strength…” she further said.

Bailey said she hopes to read for a post-graduate degree in earth science, specialising in geology or hydrology.

She said she also hopes to obtain a doctorate in the field.

After study, Bailey will “hopefully get a job,” she told SEARCHLIGHT.

“I guess that’s one of the most important things and giving back to those who contributed to my life … It would be either in geology or hydrology, that’s water or renewable energy sourcing,” she said.

Bailey was among top performers at the Girls’ High School in 2010, when she obtained 12 passes: nine Grade 1s and three Grade 2s.

The other national scholarship awardee is O’Mark Andrews, who will also receive a five-year scholarship.

Jeshua Bardoo, Ijahlon Butler, Israel Carr, and Jaya Bednath, winners of the Exhibition Awards, will each receive a three-year scholarship. (kentonchanace@searchlight.vc)