Petrina Francis, Staff Reporter

Leighton Samuels

When 17-year-old Leighton Samuels of Campion College got the news that he gained nine ones in the 2006 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations, it was all screams.

"My mother was there when I went for my results and, when I heard, I hugged her and we started to make a lot of noise in the office. The geography teacher had to tell us to be quiet," he said.

He added: "I was a bit nervous about the results but, when I got the news, I felt relieved."

The young Taurian said the recipe for his success was studying hard and paying attention in class. He also noted that his parents, Marva Davidson, an administrator at Angel's Health Care, and Donovan Samuels, a teacher; brother Dr. Lorin Scott, and friends were very supportive of him.

Leighton told The Gleaner that he will return to Campion to pursue biology, chemistry, Spanish and mathematics at the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE) level.

He said these subjects would assist him with his plans to become a medical doctor or an engineer.

An avid lover of basketball, Leighton also enjoys reading and watching television. He received the 'True Campionite Award', which is given to students who are well-rounded and liked by teachers and their peers.

Leighton scored ones in physics, chemistry, biology, principles of business, English language, English literature, mathematics, Spanish and information technology.

His mother said she was not surprised at her son's achievements because he works hard. She described him as quiet, confident and humble.