Lead Stories

Ask the average teenager if he or she would want to attend school in the United States and the answer would likely be in the affirmative. But not so for 17-year-old Winston Swaby who, after migrating to the US, returned to Jamaica to bag 12 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) subjects in a single sitting without doing any extra classes.

Swaby and his sister, who were born in Perrins, Manchester, migrated to the US to join their parents in February 2009, six months into his fourth-form year at the Adventist-owned Victor Dixon High School, in Mandeville, Manchester. However, six months later, he found himself back at Victor Dixon to pursue his dream of becoming an anaesthesiologist.

"I got enrolled into a school in Hartford, Connecticut, but they did not allow students to do all the science subjects at once," said the soft-spoken Swaby. "I did not like their environment, and so I felt the need to come back to Victor Dixon, where I could do the sciences which, when coupled with a good Christian environment, made it even better."

Difficult task

However, returning to Jamaica was not as smooth as Winston thought, as his parents could not afford to send him back to a private high school. He also had to clear the immigration hurdle, of seeking an extension stay in Jamaica, which he received due to the educational nature of the request.

"My parents were not able to pay the tuition fee, but I contacted my teacher and mentor Ms Tamari Dennis from Victor Dixon and, after a period of uncertainty and anxiety, she was able to formalise a full scholarship from one of the school's faithful past students, Dr Donovan Dixon."

Swaby aced nine distinctions in English A, chemistry, biology, physics, human and social biology, integrated science, information technology, electrical and electronics technology and physical education and sports; two credits in Spanish and principles of business and a pass in mathematics.

"I got to know who Winston really is during our interaction, while doing the practice sessions for the national Schools' Challenge Quiz competition in 2008," said Dennis, who teaches science subjects and also coaches the quiz team. "Here I saw a young man who was sober, honest, helpful to his peers, and showed a great amount of academic potential, but needed a little guidance."

Hard work

During Swaby's early years at Victor Dixon, he was slow in realising the level of work necessary to achieve his high-school goals and so, for the first two years, he had become acquainted with Cs and Ds on his school reports. However, realising the financial sacrifices his parents were making to ensure he got a good education, he decided to "turn a new page" and has not looked back since. He became a member of Victor Dixon's quiz team in 2008 and was captain of the team for this year's series. He was the valedictorian for the graduating class of 2010 and was also named Male Student of the Year. In addition, he copped top awards for Spanish and the sciences.

"I am beaming with pride because of what Winston has done this year for himself and our school," said Orchid Smith, principal of Victor Dixon. "He has proven that discipline and dedication is a winning combination. We are proud of his achievement and are confident that he will be successful in his future endeavours."

Winston's mother, lvena Swaby who is in Connecticut, was overjoyed with the results.

"I am so happy for Winston. I did not feel good sending him back, but I wanted him to do what makes him happy," she said.

His father, Winston Swaby Sr, was also elated with the end results.

Swaby plans to attend Northern Caribbean University to pursue a degree in biological science.