Tashieka Mair, Gleaner Writer

AVA CAMPBELL

WESTERN BUREAU:

In 2001, Ava Campbell received a Scotia Bank scholarship for her outstanding performance in the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) that earned her a place at the Montego Bay High School.

Now, the 17-year-old boasts an even bigger achievement after she scored nine distinctions in this year's CSEC exams.

"I was expecting all distinctions but when I actually saw it, I was shocked. I was simply overjoyed," she told The Gleaner.

Ava, who is now awaiting her results for her geography exam, which was not graded due to administrative problems, received distinctions in mathematics, English literature, English language, biology, chemistry, physics, social studies, Spanish, as well as clothing and textiles.

The recipient of the award for outstanding performance in mathematics in 2003-2005 seems as if she is just naturally brilliant, as she confessed that she has never really studied for her exams. She also said that she is not one to take notes in class.

"My technique is quite different. I don't usually take notes in class. I usually listen more," the teenager explained. "There are some things that I will have to jot down but when I get home, that is when I write down what I remember from what was said in class."

According to her, the method of listening and thoroughly consuming the information before applying pen to paper always works for her.

Her time at Montego Bay High was quite productive as she was involved in several clubs, including the Heritage Club, for which she was the president. She was also captain of the Schools' Challenge and 4H-Clubs quiz teams, and was also an active member of the drama and debating clubs.

Ava is currently the St. James Parish Council's junior councillor for the Welcome Hall Division, a position she will hold until November. She intends to pursue studies for a career in pharmaceutical engineering at Montego Bay Community College. She hopes to receive a scholarship to complete her studies abroad.