UWI’s top 2024 matriculant, Guyanese Sheridan Dyal
– 40 CXC, CAPE passes at 19 years old
The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona campus’s annual matriculation ceremony occurred on Thursday, September 5, taking on a special significance this year, with the spotlight cast on Sheridan Dyal, a standout student from Guyana earning a total of 40 CXC/CAPE subjects.
From left: UWI Campus Registrar, Dr Donovan Stanberry; Pro-Vice Chancellor of Global Affairs Sandrea Maynard with the top matriculant Sheridan Dyal and UWI Mona’s principal, Professor Densil A Williams at the 2024 Matriculation ceremony (Photo: Oraine Meikle)
Under the grand University tent, which served as the site for the day’s festivities, Dyal’s achievements were celebrated as she was honoured as the top matriculant among her cohort.
The ceremony was hosted by UWI, Campus Registrar Dr. Donovan Stanberry, who lauded the matriculants. He noted that Dyal, the top matriculant for 2024-2025, should serve as an example for all.
A recent graduate of Queen’s College in Guyana, Dyal entered the ceremony with impressive credentials. Her academic journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, reflecting a dedication and commitment to excellence. With an astounding 19 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) passes, 18 of which were grade ones and 1 a grade two, Sheridan’s academic aptitude was already well established.
Additionally, her performance in the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) exams further demonstrated her capabilities, with 21 subjects completed, including 10 grade ones and 11 grade twos.
She has also been recognised as CXC’s most outstanding student in the sciences in 2022. Additionally, she was recognised as one of Guyana’s top performers in CAPE.
As the top matriculant, Sheridan had the honour of signing the Matriculation Book on behalf of her fellow new students. This gesture was not only a personal milestone but also a symbol of her role as a leader among her peers, representing the high standards and aspirations of the incoming class.
Now, on a new chapter at UWI, the nineteen-year-old is ready to pursue Dentistry within the Faculty of Medicine. Her choice to enter this challenging and rewarding field demonstrates her passion for contributing to the health and well-being of others, an aspiration that has been evident throughout her academic career.
In her interview with Our Today, Dyal expressed her gratitude and eagerness to officially start classes. She noted that though she did not always know what she wanted to do, her passion for dentistry grew over time. Dyal also has an entrepreneurial spirit, starting two businesses, one being her jewellery and accessories business, Teen Hustle which also helped fund her education and independence.
As Sheridan signed the Matriculation Book, her mother Sherry- Ann sent her love on YouTube live, sadly, unable to be here in person to celebrate her daughter.
Sheridan Dyal’s achievements and her new role as a Dentistry student at UWI, Mona, were the highlights of a memorable matriculation ceremony. Her story is an inspiring example of academic excellence and personal dedication, setting a high standard for her peers and reinforcing the university’s reputation for fostering exceptional talent. (Our Today)
