Two stars, one standard

WESTERN BUREAU:

Briyah Brissett and Nathan Campbell were the shining stars among the 24 students who graduated in the Greater Destiny Preparatory School’s Class of 2025 graduation ceremony, having emerged as the top girl and top boy for the institution in the recent Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examinations.

Brissett and Campbell’s names echoed louder than the rest as they were lauded for the impressive legacy they were leaving behind in balance, brilliance, and belief in the boundless potential of young minds, having raised the bar for every other student to follow.

“Briyah Brissett has demonstrated remarkable consistency, focus, and academic maturity since grade one, qualities that have distinguished her as a disciplined and goal-oriented learner. Likewise, Nathan Campbell continues to excel as an outstanding student, consistently achieving at the highest levels across all subject areas,” said the school’s director, Sandrene Hill-Sherwood.

There was very little suspense when Briyah was named the top girl for 2025, having scored an impressive PEP score of 389.9 out of a possible 400, which placed her in the top one per cent of students across Jamaica in the Ability Test.

Briyah’s impact was of such a high standard that she walked away from the graduation with 11 trophies, seven medals, and a prestigious honourable mention from the University of the West Indies for her performance in the National Mathematics Olympiad. She was crowned the school’s top achiever in mathematics, science, social studies, and language arts – a rare clean sweep among the island’s elite prep students.

Academics aside, as the school’s head girl, Briyah was the face of leadership, organising student events, mentoring younger children, and generally representing the school with pride. Among the awards she took home were the awards for Leadership, Dance, 4H Excellence, and Female Athlete of the Year.

AWARDS FOR PERFORMANCE

Briyah, who will attend Montego Bay High School for Girls come September, also received a cash award of $20,000 and a trophy from Central St James Member of Parliament Heroy Clarke for her outstanding overall performance.

Nathan, who stood tall with a quiet smile and humble demeanour, had a PEP score of 367.5 out of a possible 400, which placed him in the top three per cent nationally. He tied with Briyah as top performer in social studies.

Unlike Briyah, who had a commanding presence, Nathan, who will attend Cornwall College in September, was said by the school to have built his reputation in the background as a steady, thoughtful student, whose excellence often whispers rather than shouts.

However, a dedicated member of the schools Cub Scout Pack and a core member of the quiz team, Nathan embodies confidence and resilience.

Though their personalities are different, Briyah and Nathan share core values instilled by the culture at Greater Destiny Preparatory, a school known for nurturing not just academic performers, but principled, well-rounded young citizens.

Both students benefited from a holistic curriculum that includes sports, leadership training, civic engagement, and critical thinking. The school reported 100 per cent literacy and numeracy proficiency among this year’s graduates, with several students ranking among the top students nationally.

“Both students embody the values of perseverance, intellectual curiosity, and a steadfast commitment to excellence,” said Hill-Sherwood.

At the end of the graduation exercise, Briyah and Nathan were showered with gift baskets, book vouchers, and cash prizes, including other school-related gifts in recognition of their achievements.

“I am immensely proud of their accomplishments and extend heartfelt congratulations to them, their families, and the entire graduating class – all of whom have performed exceptionally well,” Hill-Sherwood said.

albert.ferguson@gleanerjm.com