Regma Primary shines brightest for Region 10 at NGSA

By Svetlana Marshall

The Regma Primary School has outshone the other schools in Region 10 at this year’s National Grade Six Assessments (NGSA) gaining the top six positions.
The school had produced the nation’s top student in 2011; Terron Allen, but fell short this year. Nevertheless, it has stood its ground in the district producing the cream of the crop.
Modesty Hosannah and Ashmar Angel each scored 532 marks, capturing the top position in the region and will be attending Queen’s College. In the second position is Timall Phillips, who gained 531 marks, he too will commence his secondary education at Queen’s College. Hosannah, Angel and Phillips will be accompanied by Juwan Joseph at their new school. He attained 528 marks while his school mates Brittany Ragbeer and Areeb Rodney who got 524 marks will be attending Bishops’ High School. The variation in grades did not really matter, as the students were overwhelmed that they had made their school and region proud.
Speaking with Guyana Times International, Hosannah calmly said that “it feels good” to share the top position. However, she noted that despite placing first in her class on a yearly basis, it had never crossed her mind that she would have been the top student. “It wasn’t bad, I was really nervous because I wasn’t quite sure what I did… I just heard results coming out but when it was confirmed, I was very happy.”
The 11-year-old said her success would not have been possible without the support of her family and teachers. “Firstly, I would like to thank God, my family and teachers who guided me all the way. They did a great lot for me and I am grateful.”
Her colleague, Angel, who is sharing the top spot as well, expressed similar sentiments. “It feels good, I am passionate about, I am passionate to see my new school,” he anxiously told this publication.
The 11-year-old added that he will be amending his life to ensure that he capitalises on the opportunities that Queen’s College has to offer.
Phillips, who ranks second in the region said, “I never thought I would have gotten the opportunity to go to Queens because when I watched the news, I saw a lot of children who got more marks so I said I might not make it.”
The Regma Primary School Student at the time of the interview was celebrating his 12th birthday and disclosed that it was the best gift ever, but he too noted that he could not have done it without assistance.
“I would attribute my success to my nursery school that laid a foundation for me and those teachers that taught me from Grades One to Six, my mother to be a good role model, my father who is abroad, and my relatives.”
Joseph, 11, who gained the third position, said the word “overwhelmed” is an understatement to describe his feelings. Joseph had estimated he was going to acquire sufficient marks to attend Bishops’ but never in his wildest dreams thought that he would have racked up enough marks to attend Queen’s College.
The outgoing Grade Six pupil praised his parents and teachers for helping him to pass with flying colours at the examination.
Rodney and Ragbeer expressed similar sentiments. They said it was a great challenge throughout their primary education, but admitted that Grade Six was the most challenging and difficult. They too acknowledged the important roles of their teachers, parents and even friends in their success.
Four of the top six students were taught by Cheryl Wills, the Regma Primary School teacher who groomed 2011 top NGSA student Terron Allen. Wills who spoke briefly to the media said “I did it with love.”