Old Harbour Bay Primary’s Daciann Wilson first student in school’s history to pass for Immaculate

She’s the dream child any parent can think of and an absolute gem for any teacher in the classroom. The accolades were expected after she completed this year’s Primary Exit Profile (PEP) exam, but no one knew that Daciann would have created history too – one that will never be surpassed.

When the PEP results were published and Daciann saw her placement score of 331.5 out of a possible 350, and that she had secured a berth to the prestigious all-female Roman Catholic institution, Immaculate Conception High School, it was mission accomplished. But little did she knew, however, that she had created history, becoming the first Old Harbour Bay Primary student to matriculate directly into Immaculate, one of the best performing secondary institutions, consistently ranked in the top-two over the last few years based on Educate Jamaica annual power rankings.

Speaking to Old Harbour News, Daciann described the elation of securing a place at the school of her choice as “happy, excited” but was pleasantly surprised to also learn that her name will certainly be immortalized into Old Harbour Bay Primary’s history book.

“I was excited and I just finished eat… so I was jumping up and down and I almost vomit,” she said while reliving the emotions on that memorable day. Both her parents who are working overseas at the moment were just as excited even though they were not there in person to celebrate, she said.

Only a few years ago the family had moved into their new home in New Harbour Village III and quickly tried to get Daciann into the nearest school. They were not too perturbed about getting her into any specific school, as Daciann was already reading at a very advanced level augmented by a solid educational programme at home. They were confident that she would have blossom wherever she was placed.

“Daciann is a diligent worker; her attitude towards her academic pursuit is unquestionable as she always works to accomplish her utmost. She is a critical thinker and is always willing to share her opinions on a variety of topics and current affairs issues. She is very artistic and takes great pride in how she presents her assignments,” Deatricia Ming, Daciann’s grade six teacher, remarked when Old Harbour News contacted her.

Throughout her life, Daciann has been an avid reader which has formed the basis of her ability to think critically and hold her own in high level reasoning belying her tender age.

But the foundations for higher learning were really being concretized by her parents Dave and Annece Wilson, the latter acting as a second teacher whether she’s in Jamaica or abroad.

“She’s always on call when it comes to her assignment.  Even when she was here, she set timetable for her. She set time for everything. So there’s time for chores, TV time, games… she monitors everything,” Daciann’s aunt Eneka Bryan said of her elder sister’s unwavering commitment. 

It was also a long held desire of Daciann’s father that his daughter attends Immaculate.

“So he’s very, very excited. He didn’t say anything until it was long after when it was time to select the schools,” Bryan revealed. “Before she was born he said once he has a daughter he wants her to go to Immaculate.”

And as she prepares herself mentally for high school life, Daciann, who loves swimming, is eager to get started.

“There are a lot of new and interesting subjects I never did before. I’m an animal lover and there’s a club (at Immaculate) called ‘The Paws’ that I would love to go into,” said the future marine biologist, who would like to have her own restaurant one day and currently enjoys helping her aunt baking and cooking.

Words such as “pleasant, polite, articulate and purpose-driven” are among the many adjectives used to describe Daciann’s endearing persona. The world is now Daciann’s oyster.

“She aspires to do great things based on her ultimate focus, and whatever career choice she makes, I am positive that she will be great at it,” said Ming.