OHHS, KC receive top girl and boy from Old Harbour Primary

However, being named the top female student at her school with a 90.8% average or a placement mark of 327.2, more than made up for that initial disappointment. And having accepted that she can thrive wherever she is planted, Anderson is anticipating great things from the alma mater of both her aunt and her mother.

The Church Pen resident, who lives with her aunt and grandfather, shared that the examinations were manageable as she was adequately prepared by her grade six teacher Ms. Natalie Warren.

“I was very happy when I learnt about my score as I didn’t really expect to do as well as I did but I’m very grateful. I remember my teacher said ‘Don’t be scared. Take a break if you need to and then just focus again’”.

The future lawyer, who loves maths because she finds it easy, also shared that she no longer feels disappointed to be going to the only secondary institution in Old Harbour. Such disappointments are distant memory these days, as she acquaints herself attending summer classes at the school. Her enlistment to the summer school programme has changed her perception of the 53-year-old institution on South Street that produces both scholastic and sports champions in a myriad of disciplines.

For her aunt Sidean Brown, keeping her niece on track and getting her to buckle down was never a challenge as academics came easy for her.

“She brilliant just like her late mother so she never really had to put out that great an effort as some things come naturally for her,” said Brown who cried tears of joy upon getting the news of Jordynn’s success.

“I cried so hard, trust me I was bawling,” she recalled what will be forever an unforgettable moment. “And then at the graduation, oh man, when they started calling her name again and again and again for prizes, it was glorious.”

Brown, who is a restaurant manager, says Jordynn has already assimilated into her new school environment through the summer class programme and has been making new friends.

“I just want her to accomplish all her dreams but most of all I want her to be happy,” she said. “At the end of high school, she says she wants a nice car as a graduation gift so I told her she has seven years of schooling and whatever she saves up over that period we will put the rest to get the car but she has to take the savings seriously.”

Daniel McLawrence is not much of a talker. On the contrary, he likes to observe the people and environment around him which may be why science is a favourite subject of his.

This 11-year-old topped his PEP cohort with the highest score for boys and come September is off to the hallowed halls of Kingston College.

“I felt very excited when I got the news and was thrilled that it was my first choice as I know KC is a very good school,” said the boy who topped the entire PEP cohort at Old Harbour Primary following an impressive placement score of 328.9 or 91.3%.

For McLawrence the PEP exams were no walk in the park as he found it challenging, especially mathematics but nevertheless manage to stay focus.  This future veterinarian enjoys playing video games and reading and credits his father as his role model.

“My father works very hard and he always gives me great advice,” he said speaking to Old Harbour News.

Indeed for Walzy McLawrence, his children are his pride and joy, and Daniel being the last of his four, meant that he tried to devote as much time to him as possible knowing how important it is to raise a boy with discipline as well as with love.

Said Mr McLawrence: “I tell him that anything he tells me I believe so don’t ever feel like you can’t confide in me or feel afraid to share when you haven’t been at your best because I want us to have a good, healthy and honest relationship.”

The senior McLawrence reflected that raising Daniel has been a relatively easy task over the years as he is an obedient child when it comes to his education, and never wants to be late or absent.

“What I found very interesting about him is that he does not do his homework in the evening when he comes home as he wants to relax then,” said the father. “He will wake up and do his homework in the morning and at first it used to concern me as I wondered why not just do it and get it over with but it seems to work for him so I don’t bother him about it. As long as he gets it done, I’m ok.”

McLawrence, who is an electrician by profession, stated that Daniel had developed a routine of academic discipline from his days at infant school where he also excelled.

However, upon entering primary school he was placed in a class that was not considered the brightest stream and his mother was rather upset about it. The experienced dad however took it all in stride and explained to her that everything will work out because his academic acumen will definitely shine through. Dad’s assessment turned out to be spot on and Daniel was placed exactly where he belongs.

Daniel, he said, can balance his social life with his studies. But on weekends dad ensures that the necessary revision work needed to separate the average grade from the exceptional gets done.

The PEP exams meant more time was dedicated to studying and before he sat the exams, the father dished out this sage bit of advice.

“If you buck up on anything difficult, don’t panic and don’t waste your time trying to figure it out then. Skip over it and if you have time then you come back to it.” 

As to his future, McLawrence said he knows his son was meant to do great things with his life.

“I have no doubt that his future will be great but I don’t want to tell him what to become or what career to choose. When he gets older in high school and has a feel for his subjects he will have a better understanding of what he enjoys or is interested in and then can determine what he is passionate about,” said the proud father.