Anna Regina Secondary students shine at CSEC 2024 exams

Success often results from hard work, determination, and support from those around us; and for the recent Region Two top performers (hailing from any community on the Essequibo Coast from Pomeroon to Supenaam) at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exams, these qualities were evident in their remarkable achievements.
These young achievers of the Anna Regina Secondary School (ARMS) who have secured spots among the Top Ten achievers of this country are Randhir Toney, Pradesh Dwarka, Gevasha Cyndu Harpaul, Adaeze Butters, Bomeka Suparna Singh, Rudranauth Sankar and Vanishaa Lall.

Aiming high and overcoming adversity
Rudranauth Sankar, who hails from Airy Hall, is the youngest child of entrepreneurs Anand and Vanie Sankar. Knowing his parents were already supporting his sister Kelly in her studies at Texila American University, Rudranauth understood the financial constraints involved and set his sights on securing a Government of Guyana scholarship.
To achieve this goal, he took on the immense challenge of writing 24 CSEC subjects in an academic journey that was far from easy. Facing numerous obstacles, including the difficulty of managing a wide array of subjects and the pressures of completing school-based assessments (SBAs) within tight deadlines, the intensity of his schedule from early morning lessons to late-night study sessions left him exhausted and stretched thin.
However, driven by a desire to make his family proud and achieve his goals despite these challenges, Rudranauth remained steadfastly committed to excellence.
Pursuing such a vast array of subjects was an immense undertaking. I confronted numerous challenges throughout this journey, some of which brought me to tears upon reflection. Despite these hardships, I am grateful for the presence of several individuals who embraced and supported me as if I were of their own kin, rendering the difficult path more bearable, he disclosed.
Several key figures played crucial roles in Rudranauth s success. Sir Afmat Ali Nasir, a retired business teacher, provided not only academic guidance but emotional support as well, often driving students home after late-night lessons, and offering them words of encouragement.
Sir Parmanand Singh, a renowned CSEC Spanish teacher, also inspired Rudranauth with the belief in his potential, comparing him to top Caribbean students.
Miss Kumarie Seurattan’s advice and guidance on scholarship opportunities further motivated him to excel.
With his journey marked by sacrifice and dedication, Rudranauth s rigorous schedule left little room for personal time; his days being filled as they were with lessons, school, and studying past papers. Health challenges arose from the constant strain, but he persevered, knowing that every effort brought him closer to his goals.
His parents’ unwavering support, particularly his mother’s assistance with SBAs and his father’s financial sacrifices, were instrumental in his achievements. Despite facing financial difficulties, the Sankar family prioritized their son s education, thereby demonstrating their commitment to his success.
Reflecting on his accomplishments, the young scholar is proud to be among Guyana’s top students, having achieved 23 Grade Ones and one Grade Two. He extends his gratitude to his family, teachers, and grandparents, whose encouragement and belief in him provided the strength he had needed to navigate the challenges of his CSEC journey.
I must also extend my heartfelt gratitude to my grandparents from both sides. Their unwavering support and encouragement were a great source of motivation and strength throughout this challenging journey. Their belief in me, combined with their consistent presence and kind words, helped sustain my resolve and perseverance during the most difficult times. He has said.
Looking ahead, Rudranauth aspires to pursue a career in medicine. Inspired by the idea of saving lives and making a meaningful impact on people’s health, he views medicine as a noble and fulfilling profession. He hopes to return to Guyana in the future to contribute to the development of the healthcare system and improve the quality of life of his fellow citizens.

The power of sacrifice and focus
Pradesh Dwarka, a 16-year-old resident of Reliance, exemplifies the power of sacrifice and dedication. His impressive achievement of gaining 23 Grade Ones and 3 Grade Twos across 26 subjects reflects his commitment to academic excellence.
Dwarka’s journey was not easy; it required him to cut back on leisure activities like video games and social media to maintain his focus.
His brother’s success served as a significant source of inspiration, reinforcing the belief that hard work and sacrifice lead to success.
Pradesh faced various challenges, including long commutes for extra lessons and the need to juggle multiple subjects. Late-night study sessions became a routine as he diligently worked to grasp complex concepts and retain information.
The support of his family and teachers was instrumental in his success, providing him with the encouragement and confidence needed to excel.
I spent very long hours studying, moving from one subject to the next, trying my hardest to retain whatever information possible. Despite the challenges, I found comfort from the support from my family and teachers. Teachers at Anna Regina Secondary School, Abram Zuil Secondary School, and Charity Secondary School all put strong hopes in me, and ensured my confidence in their respective subjects, he shared.
Looking forward, Pradesh remains focused on his academic and career goals, driven by the values instilled in him by his family and mentors. He hopes to inspire others by demonstrating that, with dedication and effective time management, any challenge can be overcome.

Inspired by family and faith
Hailing from the vibrant village of Queenstown, Randhir Toney s journey to academic excellence is marked by determination and strong family support. As a student at Anna Regina Secondary School, he took on the ambitious task of writing 26 CSEC subjects, and has secured 19 Grade Ones and 7 Grade Twos.
Randhir s motivation came from his sister’s success in her exams, which fuelled his desire to challenge himself. He wanted to make his family proud and be an inspiration to others, just as his sister had inspired him.
Seeing her success and knowing what s possible inspired me to challenge myself to achieve the same level. I was also driven by a personal desire to make my family proud and set an example for others the same way I was inspired, he shared.
Balancing his school schedule was challenging, especially during reconstruction, which altered regular school hours. Despite this, Randhir found a way to manage, attending official classes in the afternoons and squeezing in extra lessons in the mornings and evenings.
His strong faith played a significant role in his success, providing him with the resilience needed to tackle overwhelming situations. With a passion for technology, Randhir plans to continue his studies at the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) level, aiming for a career in software and hardware engineering.
He believes that focus, discipline and faith are the cornerstones of success, and encourages other students to remain committed to their goals.

Balancing studies with self-care
Seventeen-year-old Adaeze Butters of Onderneeming achieved commendable results with 14 Grade Ones, 3 Grade Twos, a Grade Three, and one Grade Four.
Her motivation stemmed from a desire to make her family proud and a personal commitment to prove her capabilities.
Adaeze s approach to her studies involved continuous reading, understanding, and memorising key concepts. However, she also recognized the importance of self-care.
Her father s advice to not overwork herself led Butters to dedicate Saturdays to personal hobbies, such as reading, painting, and sewing, allowing her to recharge and maintain a healthy balance.
Family support was vital throughout her journey. Her parents and brothers provided both emotional and logistical support, ensuring she had the necessary resources and encouragement to excel.
Adaeze s achievements are a testament to her ability to balance academics with personal well-being, demonstrating that success does not require sacrificing one’s mental and emotional health.
As she looks forward to university, Adaeze is considering a career in Corporate Law, where she hopes to continue making her family proud.
Her message to future CSEC students is to find a study method that works best for you, and remember to make time for self-care amidst the academic pressures.

The sacrifices will be worth it. Study as much as you can, find a method that works for you, and don t forget to find time for yourself, she has advised.

<Embracing challenges with flexibility and support>
Bomeka Suparna Singh, from the beautiful village of Huis t Dieren, showcased her academic prowess by achieving 16 Grade Ones and 5 Grade Twos across the 21 subjects she has written.
Her approach to studying was adaptive rather than structured, alternating between late-night study sessions and early-morning reading, depending on her schedule. This flexibility allowed her to balance the demands of late lessons and personal study time effectively.
Bomeka faced her share of academic challenges, particularly with certain subjects that initially appeared daunting. However, her determination, coupled with the patience and dedication of her teachers, helped her overcome these obstacles. Her teachers took the time to revisit and clarify difficult concepts, ensuring she understood them fully. This support was invaluable to her success.
Her favourite subject was English B, a passion sparked by her love for exploring the multiple meanings and interpretations within texts and poetry. This interest in literature allowed her to delve deeper into the nuances of language, enhancing her analytical and interpretative skills.
Balancing academics with personal time was also crucial for Bomeka. Encouraged by her father to take breaks when needed, she participated in various activities unrelated to school. This approach not only helped her relax, but also kept her motivated and focused on her academic goals.
Her family, especially her parents, played a significant role in her journey, providing emotional support during late-night study sessions, and encouraging her during moments of self-doubt. Teachers such as Nikita James also stood out as inspirational figures, offering comforting advice and motivating her to see the positive side of challenges.
I found quite a few subjects challenging, but with the patience of the teachers of those subjects, who took their time to review and explain whatever I had a tough time understanding, I was able to overcome the challenges the key persons who supported me throughout my studies were my parents and teachers, she said
Despite experiencing moments of self-doubt and questioning her abilities, the young achiever found strength through her friends encouragement and her parents reassurances. Witnessing the efforts and sacrifices made by her parents and teachers inspired her to keep pushing forward.
Upon receiving her CSEC results, Bomeka felt a profound sense of relief and joy, knowing that all her hard work had paid off.
As she looks to the future, she is interested in pursuing a career in the social sciences, driven by her passion for understanding societal dynamics and contributing to community development.

<<Aiming high with passion and determination>>
With a remarkable record of 15 Grade Ones and 12 Grade Twos from 27 subjects, Gevasha Cyndu Harpaul stands out as one of the top achievers. Her success story is one of passion and perseverance, deeply rooted in support and encouragement from her parents.
Gevasha credits her parents for giving her the strength and courage to pursue her studies with dedication. Her disciplined approach included late-night study sessions and constant revision, ensuring she stayed on top of her subjects.
Gevasha s teachers also played a crucial role in her academic journey, inspiring her to strive for excellence and providing the necessary guidance to excel.
Beyond academics, Gevasha was actively involved in school clubs, which provided her with a well-rounded experience and a way to unwind from the rigorous demands of her studies. Her favourite subject, Building Technology, in which she received a distinction, reflects her interest in practical and applied sciences.
She plans to pursue tertiary education in civil and environmental engineering, fields in which she hopes to make significant contributions. Her advice to fellow students is to start revision early, manage time effectively, and maintain consistency in your work.