Adiel Harridon’s mom speaks truth after 94% PEP average

Andrene Harridon, who is an educator, is trying to instill this lesson into her son Adiel Harridon.

Adiel, which his mom says means ‘one who is favoured by God’, recently attained an impressive placement score of 376.8 in the annual national Primary Exit Profile (PEP) exam. 

Adiel’s 94% average places him among the top one percent best performing student at Davis Primary while assuring him of a spot at the Portmore-based Cedar Grove Academy. 

At his school’s graduation Adiel, who later revealed this to be his best memory of Davis Primary, was given the privilege to introduce the master of ceremony and the graduating class, which he delivered with aplomb.

His mother admitted that she was “nervous and excited” at the same time about her son’s success even though he has always been a high academic achiever since kindergarten.

But more importantly for her, she wants her son to be grounded in his pursuit of excellence.

“I let him know that he’s in his own lane and I want him to be the best that he can be and stay focus. He’s a boy, so I’m a bit worried, but I’m calm because I put my trust in God,” she said from her home in Old Harbour Glades.

“I’m a proud mummy. I’m humbled. He’s a humble person and with God all things are possible. As a single parent it’s being a journey and I believe that once you know your child’s potential you just have to push them towards their potential. I’m just excited. This is one of the moments that I didn’t know could happen to me but I’m proud and humbled.”

Behind Adiel’s success is the immense close-knit family culture, Harridon believes. The 11-year-old, who enjoys playing sports such as football and cricket, is motivated by his sister, who is currently a standout student of Cedar Grove Academy. Davis Primary staff was not overlooked either.

“I feel awesome and I thank all the teachers for helping me along the way,” he said before recognizing the support of his sister, parents, and other family members.

Harridon says she’s likely to shed a few tears come September just like she did some years ago when her daughter started her high school sojourn.

“I don’t think it has hit me fully yet,” she said of her son going to high school. “I’m still trying to stay grounded because he’s still my boy, my baby and my friend.”

And as she basked in the glory of her son success, the ex-Davis Primary teacher said it feels surreal doing an interview about her son.

As for Adiel, who hasn’t given much thought about what his future life may be “because the world has different jobs and opportunities” school cannot start sooner for him as he looks forward to embrace a new challenge.