Gareth Davis, Gleaner Writer

PORT ANTONIO, Portland:

DESPITE LOSING a week due to the passage of Hurricane Sandy last month, teacher Kennecha Davis remains optimistic that Jermaine James of Port Antonio Primary will secure a government scholarship in next year's Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT).

Jermaine, who is 11 years old and was the winning captain of his school's Bible quiz competition held earlier this year, is also bubbling with confidence.

"I am more focused than ever," he said.

Jermaine added: "I relish a challenge, and my teacher has increased the workload, which I am happy about, as the task ahead will not be an easy one. I am improving with every study session, and although we have fallen a week behind schedule as a result of Sandy, we have made up some ground by increasing the study hours."

Jermaine is described by his classmates as having the right kind of attitude and with an average of 96 per cent coming from grade five, the school family expects him to do well in the GSAT.

rural@gleanerjm.com