The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology recognized the accomplishments of students excelling in the Bahamas Junior Certificate (BJC) and Bahamas General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE) examinations during the annual National Awards ceremony, Thursday at William Johnson Auditorium, Joe Farrington Road.
Rebecca Henderson, a 12th grade student of Queen’s College received the Paul Adderley Award for best BGCSE results (overall performance, 10As, 1B) in The Bahamas. She also received the Carol Hanna Award for Best Overall Performance in the 2014 BGCSE examinations in Independent Schools.
Nastacia Turnquest, a graduate of H.O. Nash Junior High School, won the award for the candidate with overall best 2014 BJC results (9As) in The Bahamas and the 2014 Government school candidate with the best BJC overall results. She also earned the Subject Award for Craft in the 2014 BJC examinations. Nastacia presently attends St. John’s College.
Beautisca King of C.R. Walker Senior High School earned the Marjorie Davis Award for Excellence. She achieved the Best Overall Performance in the 2014 BGCSE Examinations (7As, 1B) for Government Schools.
The 2014 Independent School candidates with Best BJC results are: Whittley Deleveaux, Queen’s College (7As); Ethan Goodman, St. John’s College (7As); De’Antez Knowles, Temple Christian Schools (7As); Sarah Rahimi, St. John’s College (7As); and Danielle Smith, St. John’s College (7As).
Pedro Marcello, a student of N.G.M. Major High School in Long Island was selected the Government School Male Candidate (overall) Best BJC results (7As, 1B) for 2014.
The Hon. Jerome Fitzgerald, Minister of Education, Science and Technology encouraged the students to embrace the statements of Sir John Templeton in his book “Essential Worldwide Laws of Life.” He advised the students to prepare for success, activate their dreams, study hard and acknowledge their parents, teachers, tutors and peers who have helped them.
“It is imperative that we continue to develop a culture of learning,” he said. “Education is the pathway to better opportunities in life. Our country requires an educated, skilled and well-trained workforce. As you continue to thrive and excel in your future academic pursuits, our country will benefit from having a contingent of well-prepared nation builders.”
Minister Fitzgerald congratulated the top achievers and encouraged them to pursue degrees in careers of their choice as they become lifelong learners and global citizens of excellence.
Entertainment at the awards ceremony was provided by C.C. Sweeting Sr. High School Choir, H.O. Nash Jr. High School Band, and students of Spanish Wells All Age School. Along with their awards, the winners received other prizes including financial contributions and laptops.
