Kerry-Ann Lewis

Kerry-Ann Lewis is from the 'Breadbasket Parish', St. Elizabeth, where a large percentage of its inhabitants earn their livelihood from farming.

However, Kerry-Ann has different dreams. Like the intensity of the sun, which gives St. Elizabeth's ripened tomatoes their fiery hue, Kerry-Ann has a burning ambition to succeed.

"I either want to be an accountant, a lawyer or a lecturer or all three," she said with a chuckle.

Eleven-year-old Kerry-Ann is a student at Hampton High School for Girls and a past student of Santa Cruz Preparatory School, where she was awarded Girl of the Year 2005-2006 for outstanding academic performance. She also received the highest score in the GSAT exams at Santa Cruz Preparatory and has the distinction of being the student with the third highest GSAT score accepted into Hampton last September.

Kerry-Ann has a proven formula for success.

"I study a lot and pay attention in class. I study about two hours each day after school. I also pray every night to do well in school. That and encouragement from my parents, Jacqueline and Kingsley Lewis, help me to do well," she revealed.

Well, her formula is working! In addition to her other academic achievements, Kerry-Ann topped the St. Elizabeth Kiwanis Mathematics' Competition held last May.

Proud mom

But academics aside, she is a typical 11-year-old and likes riding her bicycle and taking the occasional swim at the beach or the pool.

"I would like to thank all teachers at Santa Cruz Prep, especially Mrs. Valda Bourne, who taught me in grade six and helped prepared me for GSAT. I am also grateful to my 17-year-old sister," she stated.

Her mom is proud that she received the Jamaica National Scholarship.

"I am excited that Kerry-Ann received a scholarship. I think it will encourage her to do better in school as she has to maintain a certain average, so it compels her to do well at all times," Kerry's mother stated.