Hours of studying, countless past papers, early mornings, late nights and the unwavering support of parents and teachers have paid off for Region Six’s top 10 performers at this year’s National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA).
Topping Region Six with a perfect score is 11-year-old Kacy Kamal of Tain Primary School, who admitted she was overwhelmed with emotion when she learnt she had secured the number one position.
Although she had received a call from the Ministry of Education before the official announcement, Kacy said she had no idea she had emerged as the region’s top student.
“It was a very emotional and exciting moment because I never really imagined myself to be the top of the region,” she recalled.
Her achievement came after months of dedication, including sacrificing weekends, Christmas and Easter holidays, television and leisure time to study and complete past papers.
She credited her parents and teachers for constantly encouraging her during moments when she doubted herself.
“There were many times I felt uncertain because I didn’t cover everything I wanted to, but my parents and teachers kept encouraging me.”
Despite finding composition her most challenging subject, Kacy never gave up. Looking ahead, the young scholar dreams of becoming a pilot so she can travel the world and experience different countries and cultures.
Her advice to future NGSA candidates: “Have confidence and believe in yourself.”
Coming second among Region Six’s top 10 students is Manojanand Bharat of Skeldon Primary School, who described hearing his name announced as one of the happiest moments of his life.
“I was jumping and screaming with joy because of how happy I was.”
Manojanand followed a strict study routine, waking at 5am each morning to study before school and continuing until 10pm. He willingly gave up his phone, computer and other privileges to remain focused on his studies.
Confident in the work he had put in, Manojanand said he expected to be among the region’s top performers.
His biggest dream, however, extends beyond academics. The ambitious youngster hopes to one day become President of Guyana, saying he wants to make the country a better place for everyone.
He encouraged next year’s candidates to believe in both God and themselves because “any dream can come true once you believe in yourself.”
Placing third among Region Six’s top 10 is Danelly Williams of Rose Hall Town Primary School, who admitted she was pleasantly surprised by her outstanding performance.
“When I heard the Minister of Education call my name, I jumped up. I was so excited because I wasn’t expecting myself to do so good.”
Danelly devoted nearly every spare moment to studying, attending extra lessons, online classes and composition sessions while revising her notes every night. Even during lunch and break periods at school, she chose to study instead of relaxing with friends.
She hopes to become a lawyer, explaining that she wants to fight for justice, defend people’s rights and ensure criminals are held accountable.
Her message to younger students is to attend school regularly, pay attention in class, respect their teachers and revise their notes every evening.
Fourth among Region Six’s top 10 is Jenna Garnett of Bohemia Primary School, who said she always believed she would perform well.
Unlike many of her fellow achievers, Jenna did not have to sacrifice her favourite activities because she maintained a balanced schedule that allowed time for school, extra lessons, homework, rest and study.
“I never compromised with my sleep,” she explained, noting that getting enough rest was an important part of her preparation.
Jenna said her parents constantly encouraged her whenever things became difficult.
Inspired by a cousin who taught her to draw, Jenna dreams of becoming a fashion designer and hopes to one day create clothing that brings happiness to others.
She even expressed excitement about the possibility of showcasing her designs on major fashion stages in the future.
Her advice: “Study hard and pay attention. Hard work always pays off.”
Claiming fifth place among Region Six’s top 10 is Diya Algu of Cropper Primary School, who described feeling both proud and happy after receiving her results.
Although she initially felt overwhelmed by the workload, Diya persevered by attending extra lessons, revising concise notes and working through numerous past papers while reducing the time spent on electronic devices.
She aspires to become a doctor, a dream inspired by her father.
“My dad helps lots of people, and I like that,” she said, explaining that she also wants to dedicate her life to helping others.
Her advice to future candidates is not to panic.
“Don’t stress it. It’s easy once you actually get into the exam room.”
Sixth among Region Six’s top 10 is Ryan Ramprashad of Mibicuri Primary School, whose emotional reaction reflected the significance of the achievement.
“My mom hugged me and told me she was so proud of me. I cried tears of joy.”
Ryan said he never expected to place among the region’s top students. Preparing for the examination meant giving up electronic devices and even carrying books with him whenever he left home so he could continue studying.
He also dreams of becoming a doctor, saying he wants to save people’s lives.
Seventh among Region Six’s top 10 is Destiny Dale Kurtzious of Sheet Anchor Primary School, who described her achievement as almost unbelievable. “It felt unreal.”
She strengthened weak subject areas by working through past papers and sacrificed using her phone throughout her preparation.
Destiny credited her parents for believing in her and constantly pushing her to do her best.
The young achiever hopes to become a paediatrician, explaining that her love for children, especially her younger cousins, inspired her career choice.
Eighth among Region Six’s top 10 is Nicholye Ompertab of Number 68 Primary School, who said every sacrifice became worthwhile the moment he saw his results.
He described giving up screen time, playtime and maintaining a strict study routine while working tirelessly to improve in English and composition.
“It feels amazing. I’m very proud and excited for myself.”
Nicholye thanked his parents, teachers and his class teacher for supporting him throughout his journey.
Although he earned placement at Queen’s College, he will instead attend Line Path Secondary because it is closer to home.
Like several of his fellow top performers, he hopes to become a doctor because he believes helping others is one of life’s greatest callings.
Ninth among Region Six’s top 10 is Ridwaan Amin of Skeldon Primary School, who entered the examination with confidence after years of preparation.
Having consistently excelled in mock examinations, he believed he would secure a place among the region’s best.
Rather than overworking himself, Ridwaan balanced study with recreation.
“Don’t study too hard. Let your brain have enough space to think.”
Inspired by his uncle, he hopes to become an aeronautical engineer.
Completing Region Six’s top 10 is Aiden Drepaul of New Market Primary School, who said he felt “amazed and grateful” after learning he had secured a place among the region’s highest achievers.
His preparation began as early as Grade Four through consistent practice with past papers, revising notes and improving weak areas. Like many of the other students, he sacrificed the use of electronic devices while spending late nights studying.
Aiden also dreams of becoming a pilot because of his fascination with aircraft.
He expressed heartfelt thanks to his parents and family for believing in him every step of the way and encouraged future candidates to revise consistently, work to their full potential and always believe in themselves.
