Haleigh Chambers confident in making the next step from Marlie Mount to Wolmer’s

The now former head girl made a giant leap forward in her academic pursuits when she earned a spot at the coveted Wolmer’s High School for Girls following success in this year’s Primary Exit Profile (PEP). She achieved a placement score of 334.2 or 95.4%.

In fact when the PEP results were made public on June 26 it was the best birthday gift Haleigh could have received even though she was a tad bit disappointed not joining her bigger brother at Glenmuir High. She however, had a change of heart after reading up about one of the best secondary institutions in Jamaica located at Heroes Circle in Kingston and ironically is the preferred choice of her father, well known Supeintendent of police Howard Chambers. 

The all-girl school is set to benefit from having one of the most talented students in their midst and is expected to refine those natural gifts in the years ahead.

Academics aside, Haleigh has won an enormous amount of medals in the performing arts, as far back as age three at the infant department at Marlie Mount.

Her bulging trophy cabinet at home has ran out of space occupied by countless gold, silver and bronze trophies and medals earned at the perennial JCDC dance, drama and speech competitions.

“She is well-rounded. She’s involved in everything, not only academics,” said mother Hilma Chambers, who is a senior teacher at Marlie Mount Primary.

“Honestly I was more excited than Haleigh,” she said of day the exam results came out.

“She wants to be involved,” Chambers added. “She is a child who always wants the best. She is a leader and that’s why she is the head girl. She was earmarked from grade one.

“I think even though she does well, I have to be behind her. She will not want to read a book, she prefers to watch.”

Haleigh has been a prominent and popular personality among teachers and students during her time at Marlie Mount with her leadership skills propelling her to be named captain of the netball team and president of the speech and drama clubs.

“I have always had a good connection with all the teachers. All of them have put in stamp in life to make me who I am right now,” said the Longsville Park resident, who believes her exposure in church activities has helped her tremendously with her on-stage performance.

“Marlie Mount has really put a stamp in my life that would never be replaced,” added the 11-year-old Seventh Day Adventist Old Harbour youth.

As the grand-daughter of Ena Hyatt, one of the great educators of Marlie Mount, failure wasn’t an option for Haleigh, who intends to pursue a career outside of education.

Adjusting to high school life could pose a challenge for Haleigh. It’s the first time she will be in school without the presence of her mother. But the bubbly character said she wants to use the opportunity to prove her detractors wrong.

“Because I am a teacher’s daughter I’ve got a lot of children who say the reason why I am at the top is because of my mommy,” she said. 

“I am worried,” admitted Chambers, a past student of St Andrew High School for Girls. “I am sort of worried because I haven’t had her away from me but I know that it’s gonna take time, it will work out.”