Speechless - 17-year-old hits CSEC out of the park with nine distinctions

Nadisha Hunter, Staff Reporter

Narique Mcintosh beamed with pride as news of her accomplishments in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) set in.

The 17-year-old scored perfect grades in nine subjects, landing her among the top students at St Andrew High School for Girls.

She and several other successful students celebrated after the Caribbean Examinations Council released the results online late Thursday evening.

McIntosh, who lives in Bog Walk, St Catherine was successful in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, English A, English B, Spanish, geography and Caribbean history.

"When I saw the results, I was actually speechless but I worked for it. I prayed hard and now that I get what I worked for, I am happy," she declared.

She added, "Only God knows how I managed to travel the long distance and was still able to study long and hard. But I prioritised and was able to stay in line so that I could get my work done."

A beaming Narique said she expected good results as she maintained an A average ever since primary school. She attended Ewarton Primary in St Catherine where she copped scores in the high 90s in the Grade Six Achievement Test.

relax and celebrate

Narique said now that the results are out, she can relax and celebrate but not for long as sixth form is just around the corner.

She gave high praises to God for the achievements, before thanking her family, as well as teachers and friends who she said were supportive.

The Christian and future dermatologist said she lived by the philosophy 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me' and she believes her faith carried her through.

An elated Glenise McIntosh said she was proud of her daughter.

"I am overwhelmed but then I knew she would have done well because she worked hard. She went through some sleepless nights just to bring off this and I am really excited about it," she said.

Glenise explained that the family shared in the preparation for the exams, even staying up nights with Narique.

"We worked on shift. I would stay up part of the night and her dad would stay up the rest of the night. Her grandmother also played a major role in her studies, so it was a family thing," she said.