[UPDATED] Belmont SEA student: Stay focused

Precious Evelyn, 13, of Melville Memorial Girls’ Primary School, Belmont, could not wait to run into her mother’s arms to shout out, “Mom, I passed for Bishop Anstey High School.”
This was one of the many emotional outbursts today as students and parents embraced each other in joy and sorrow outside primary schools.

There were also some students who were not pleased with their placements, but were consoled by their parents’ words of encouragement. Speaking with Newsday, Evelyn urged those who are preparing to write the exam in 2020 to stay focused.

“I feel so ecstatic. It was a long and hard journey, but I succeeded, and I know this is only the beginning. This is my first choice, and if I can do it, others can. They just have to stay focused.
“Don’t study that you are missing out on what is taking place on the outside.

“Stay focused in all your studies and do your work. This is the only way you would be able to reach your goals.”
Shaunelle Noel, 11, of Sacred Heart Girls’ RC, told Newsday she got her first choice – Providence Girls’ Secondary.

“I am elated and overjoyed. My parents feel the same way. I am glad it is all over. I am looking forward to go to my new school in September.”

Two sets of twins were also satisfied with their placement in secondary schools. Both Jerome and Jevaughn Massiah from Richmond Street Boys’ will be attending Trinity College, while Kendal Hokai from St Margaret’s Anglican Boys’ Primary School and Kenya Hokai from Melville Memorial Girls’ Primary School passed for Tranquillity Secondary and Bishop’s Centenary respectively. Keyanna Sutton, 11, from Eastern Girls’ Government, told Newsday although she was not satisfied with her result – Malick Senior Comprehensive – she will do her best.

“I am a bit disenchanted, but I am not giving up or going to let it bother me. I will work harder to do my best, because my other big day is at CXC level. I am going to use this time to make some improvement in my studies.”

At St Francis Girls’ Primary School, a security guard told Newsday the children would receive their results after their graduation ceremony, which was being held at the school in Belmont.
Danielle Sylvester, 12, from St Hilda’s Government Primary School, Quarry Street, Port of Spain, said she was happy with her placement at South East PoS Government Secondary.
“This school was my second choice, and I am glad I am getting to go there. This is a new challenge for me and I will make the best of it, as I now have to prepare myself for another big journey.

One parent had to be escorted out of Melville Memorial Girls’ Primary School in Belmont by heavily armed police because of misconduct on the school grounds.

Many parents looked on in disgust as one was heard saying. “Why she had to embarrass her child like that? This supposed to be a special day for her child…Lord, the ignorance of some parents.”

The mother was cautioned by the police but did not adhere to the warning and continued to quarrel loudly outside the school gate.

This story has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.

Precious Evelyn, 13, of Melville Memorial Girls' Primary School, Belmont, could not wait to run into her mother’s arms to shout out, “Mom, I passed for Bishop Anstey High School.”

This was one of the many emotional outbursts today as students and parents embraced each other in joy and sorrow outside primary schools.

There were also some students who were not pleased with their placements, but were consoled by their parents’ words of encouragement.

Speaking with Newsday, Evelyn urged those who are preparing to write the exam in 2020 to stay focused.

“I feel so ecstatic. It was a long and hard journey, but I succeeded, and I know this is only the beginning. This is my first choice, and if I can do it, others can. They just have to stay focused.

“Don’t study that you are missing out on what is taking place on the outside. Stay focused in all your studies and do your work. This is the only way you would be able to reach your goals.”