Marian Academy student named champion of Whiz Kids 2023

The second season of the Guyana Learning Channel’s Whiz Kids wrapped up on Friday afternoon with Joseph Prendergast from Marian Academy emerging as the 2023 champion.
The finals of the competition were held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre and saw two sets of semi-finalists competing for a spot in the lightning round.
Makai Dowlin, Miles Gonsalves and Aiden Persaud from School of the Nations, Demetrius Garaway and Kia Griffith from Jo’sel Educational Institute, and Joseph, were split into groups of three to compete for one of two spots in the playoff round. The pupils answered an array of questions from four categories, English, Science, Mathematics and Social Studies.

Joseph and Makai scored the most points during their respective rounds. They then had to answer 40 questions each and the pupil with the most correct answers was crowned the winner. Joseph copped first place with 185 points while Makai scored a total of 145 points and was awarded second place.
Aiden Persaud was awarded third place. All finalists were presented with a certificate of participation.
Education Minister Priya Manickchand noted that the Guyana Learning Channel played an important role in education delivery while schools were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Manickchand highlighted that the channel produces content daily, which is not only educational but also interactive and entertaining.
The game show features Grade Six students from various primary schools competing against each other by answering questions in four categories: Mathematics, English Language, Science, and Social Studies.
New programmes and initiatives launched by the Ministry such as the NGSA Booster Programme, the Quiz Me platform, the printing of worksheets and the creation and distribution of study packages are all in sync with equipping students to succeed, Manickchand had noted when the Whiz Kid initiative was introduced. (G12)