By Petrina Francis, Education Reporter
Crystal Beepot, a 16-year-old student of Haile Selassie High School, South West St. Andrew, is a study of modest achievement. ANDREW SMITH/Photography Editor
CRYSTAL BEEPOT, a 16-year-old student at the Haile Selassie High School in Payne Avenue, South West St. Andrew, made her school and parents proud when she passed all four CXC subjects in fourth form.
The unassuming youngster, who describes herself as a bookworm, told The Gleaner yesterday that she was surprised when she received results, pointing out that she did not finish the syllabus for her subjects. This, she stressed, did not deter her from giving her all while sitting the exams.
Sitting upright on a chair in her principal's office, Crystal said her personal philosophy in life is "what you believe in you can achieve". And she certainly did. Crystal received credits (grade two) for principle of business, office procedures, and mathematics. In addition, she received a pass (grade three) for accounts.
Crystal, who is now the head girl at Haile Selassie, attributes her success to her teachers who "boosted me and gave me extra lessons that I did not have to pay for". She also thanked them for giving her financial assistance to pay for her exams.
THE SKY IS THE LIMIT
Notwithstanding this outstanding performance, Crystal believes that the sky is the limit and will therefore be re-sitting mathematics and accounts in an attempt to get better grades. Added to her collection of four subjects, Crystal, who wants to become a paediatrician, will be sitting six other subjects next June.
However, Mrs. Clayne Barnett, principal of the institution ranked third to last in Dr. Dennis Minnot's school rankings earlier this year, told The Gleaner that the school does not offer physics or chemistry and that Crystal will therefore have to travel to another school to pursue these subjects.
Crystal, who lives with both parents, enjoys reading, singing and watching television in her spare time. Her advice to her peers: "work hard, be focused and put in a lot and you will succeed."
