The Thomas Saunders Secondary School (TSSS) received the perfect 10th anniversary gift this year when the school returned an overall pass rate of 87.6 per cent and their head prefect returned all grade one passes in the nine CSEC subjects he wrote.

Jeremiah Augustus, who was the school’s 2015 valedictorian, was successful in Biology, Chemistry, English A, English B, Geography, Information Technology, Mathematics, Principles of Business and Spanish.{{more}}

These results came as no surprise to his teachers, who had bestowed 13 awards on him at the 2015 graduation ceremony.

In an interview with SEARCHLIGHT on Tuesday, Augustus said his primary school motto of ‘hard work, commitment and dedication leads to success’ encouraged him to strive for excellence.

The Union Island resident advised upcoming youth to make up their minds about what they want and persevere towards it. He said he fought hard for his success and thanked God for his guidance, strength and the tests he endured. He extended thanks to all who helped him along the way.

The school’s principal John Renton expressed how very proud he is of Augustus, especially because of the challenging circumstances that the young man rose above to achieve excellence.

Renton also credited four other students for excellent performance. Kaville Hazelwood acquired eight subjects, which included seven grade ones and a grade three. Abisha France was successful in eight subjects, six of which were grade one and grade two passes. Kwana Charles passed eight subjects, which included six grade one passes and two grade two passes. Julia Clarke acquired nine subjects, which included two grade one passes, four grade two passes and three grade threes.

The school’s pass rate of 87.6 per cent is a 2.4 per cent improvement over last year’s results and the sixth year in succession that the school has seen improvement in their results. Ninety-nine candidates wrote 737 exams in 23 subject areas.

Renton expressed thanks and gratitude to his staff, students and the parents who worked hard to ensure these passes. The principal stated that their pass rate in 22 of 23 subject areas was greater than 70 per cent. He also shared credit with the Kingstown Technical Institute, saying there were 100 per cent passes in the seven subject areas of Biology, Chemistry, Office Administration, Physical Education, Food and Nutrition, Clothing and Textiles and Home Management. There was also a 90 per cent pass rate in nine subject areas: Integrated Science, Information Technology, Electronic Document Preparation Management, English B, Spanish, Principles of Business, Economics, Social Studies and Technical Drawing. (AS)