President's medal winners want to stay, build Trinidad and Tobago

PRESIDENT Christine Kangaloo said it has warmed her heart that the 2023 and 2024 President’s Medal awardees have committed to remaining in Trinidad and Tobago after finishing their studies.

Speaking at the President’s Medal 2023 and 2024 presentation ceremony on September 10 at President’s House, St Ann's, Kangaloo said the students’ commitment to TT was what struck her most when reading their reactions to receiving their medals. She said the issue of brain drain continues to be a worrying one.

“The worry was that the country was investing resources in educating our young people, only to see them pull up stakes and settle abroad, giving the benefit of their intellect and creativity to other countries.

“I was therefore tremendously pleased to read that the vast majority, if not all of you, have expressed your commitment to staying in TT after you have completed your studies, and to devoting your time and your talents to building our country up. This, to me, is a demonstration of real integrity.”

Kangaloo also commended the students for giving the country a positive portrayal of young people, as opposed to the negative portrayals which dominate the headlines.

She commended the young people and their parents for recognising the importance of extracurricular activities.

“While you excelled in your studies, many of you also made the time to play musical instruments, compete in sport and dance, and participate in clubs such as astronomy, debate and cultural organisations.

“I truly believe that they help to cultivate something even more important, perhaps even without you realising it. I believe that the extra-curricular pursuits that you have undertaken, help cultivate civic pride, teamwork, volunteerism, integrity, and respect for others. I believe that they teach you how to lead, how to listen, how to collaborate and, most importantly, how to serve.”

She encouraged the younger medal winners who were just beginning secondary school to follow the example of the older students.

“Join the Scouts or Girl Guides, the Cadet Force, an environmental group, a sports team, a literary club or a cultural organisation. These experiences will teach you lessons that no textbook can offer - lessons that shape values which form the foundation of strong individuals and of resilient societies.”

Kangaloo said the country appreciated the students and their achievements and looked forward with great hope and anticipation to the contributions they will make in the years ahead.

Education Minister Dr Michael Dowlath said the true wealth of TT does not lie in oil, gas, or land but in the promise of the young people. He said young people, particularly adolescents, face countless pressures from peer influence, social media, and the competing voices of a rapidly changing world. He said it was the shared responsibility of parents, teachers, community leaders, and government to prepare them not only for careers, but for lives of meaning and purpose.

“We must teach them how to stand firm in the face of pressure, how to choose what is right over what is easy, and how to embody the values of compassion, patriotism, and good citizenship.

“Good citizenship is not a passive label, it is an active practice. It calls us to care for others, to respect diversity, to uphold the rule of law, to protect our environment, and to give back to the nation that nurtures us. When our young people learn these values early, they are more likely to grow into adults who see their own success as intertwined with the progress of TT.”

Dowlath urged parents to remain involved in shaping their children’s character, as education in the classroom was reinforced at home.

“It is often said that a person can do 99 things right and no one notices, but the moment they stumble on the hundredth, that is what everyone remembers. This way of thinking has taken root in many aspects of our society, and it is a mindset we must be intentional about changing. If we are to raise confident, compassionate, and resilient citizens, then we must learn to celebrate success as much as, if not more than, we critique shortcomings.”

He said the conduct of national leaders and what is celebrated by society all serve as powerful teachers.

“If our youth see integrity rewarded, if they see compassion honoured, if they see patriotism respected, then they too will aspire to these ideals. Conversely, if they see dishonesty, greed, or indifference glorified, we cannot expect them to walk a different path.”

Tertiary Education and Skills Training Minister Prof Prakash Persad said the world is advancing beyond the teaching and learning habits of yesteryear. He said as digital natives, young people had the tools to reach heights that their forefathers may have only imagined.

“They can expand networks with peers in the professional sphere through team building and virtual learning. As you continue your journey as academic scholars and professionals, remember to occasionally step back to revaluate your personal development and find balance for the protection of your well-being. Be driven by your passions and welcome your support systems.”

No announcements of top places in the CSEC, CAPE, SEA and NEC examinations were made in 2023 and 2024.

CAPE 2023 President's Medal for Higher Secondary Education Gold

Ryker Harricharan - Hillview College

Nishka Maharaj - Hillview College

CAPE 2024 President's Medal for Higher Secondary Education Gold

Teddy Mohammed - Hillview College

Alicia Dipchan - St Joseph's Convent, San Fernando

CSEC 2023 President's Medal for Secondary Education Gold

Hailey A Jeffers - Naparima Girls' High School

CSEC 2024 President's Medal for Secondary Education Gold

Reginald N Mohammed - Naparima College

SEA 2023 President's Medal for Primary Education

Gold - Mila Zoro - San Fernando, TML Primary School

Silver - Ruthvika Sarvana Kumar - Curepe Presbyterian Primary School

SEA 2024 President's Medal for Primary Education

Gold - Aryan Rajbally - Felicity Hindu Primary School

Gold - Surya Moonasar - Kubairsingh Penal Rock Road Hindu Primary School

Silver - Kiam Rajkumar - Freeport Presbyterian Primary School

2023 NEC Technical and Vocational Education (Open) President's Medal Gold

Kemuel Matthews - MIC Institute of Technology - Point Fortin Technology Centre

2024 NEC Technical and Vocational Education (Open) President's Medal Gold

Shanelle Seales - MIC Institute of Technology - Diego Martin Centre