Region 10’s top CSEC performer hails from Mackenzie High

This year’s top student at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations from Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Berbice), Asher Marks, is grateful for his success, crediting his achievement to hard work, dedication and the drive to succeed.
The Mackenzie High School (MHS) student who hails from Amelia’s Ward, Linden, dreams of becoming a qualified accountant. Marks, who was a student of Form 5 Business, made it to the top of the Region’s charts, with seven Grade One’s and four Grade Two’s, managing to secure a total of 45 points.
He obtained Grade 1 passes in English Language A, Mathematics, Principles of Business, Principles of Accounts, Economics, Office Administration, and Physical Education and Sports, while he attained Grade 2 passes in Social Studies, Information Technology, Integrated Science and Caribbean History.

In an interview with Guyana Times Marks explained that the road to success was not an easy one.
He recalled the numerous challenges and sacrifices made in order for him to be successful.
Despite the challenges, he attended extra lessons and aimed high. Marks expressed gratitude to God and the dedicated teachers at his school, who he explained played major roles in his achievement.
The top student’s advice to future CSEC students is to put in the extra effort, be dedicated and aim high in order to achieve. He will be attending Sixth Form at the MHS come September.
According to information out of the Department of Education, other Region 10 top performers were Risa Retemeyer (2nd) also of MHS with 44 points, Sheralyn Vangenderen (3rd) of MHS with 42 points, Tiffany Thomas (3rd) of MHS with 42 points, Yohancey Rogers (5th) of the Christiansburg Wismar Secondary School (CWSS) with 41 points, Caleah Barker (6th) of MHS with 40 points, Tracia Hutson (6th) of MHS with 40 points, Daicia Caesar (6th) of MHS with 40 points, Myranda Johnny (9th) of MHS with 39 points and Malcolm James (10th) of the CWSS with 38 points.
This newspaper also spoke with Retemeyer with six Grade One’s, inclusive of 3 distinctions, four Grade Two’s and one Grade 3. The 16-year-old student, who also hails from Amelia’s Ward, was a student of Form 5 Agriculture Science.
Retemeyer also noted that her journey was not an easy one, but explained that she was able to succeed nevertheless. She expressed thanks to God, and her family who sacrificed a lot in order for her to achieve.
“I can recall time and time again going into my bed late from doing SBAs and even falling asleep sometimes in class which is not good but that is to show the extreme lengths that I went through to finish my stuff and it was very tiring. But I must say that the sacrifices made paid off in the end”, she noted.
She advises future CSEC students to study hard, make sacrifices and put aside all distractions in order to achieve their goals.
Come September, Retemeyer will be continuing her education at the Sixth Form level at the MHS. She aspires to pursue a career in forensic science.