Denise Reid, Freelance Writer
Lauren Delapenha poses with one of her certificates at the annual prize-giving ceremony of the Montego Bay High School. With an average of over 80 per cent, Delapenha is a gold club member. - Photo by Denise Reid
WESTERN BUREAU:
The Montego Bay High School has done a tremendous job not only in academics, but also in extra-curricular activities.
This was highlighted at the annual ceremony held at the school last Thursday.
One of the top performing schools in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) at the national level, this year's results seem very promising.
Distinctions galore
Of 20 subjects entered, the lowest pass rate registered was for mathematics at 87 per cent. Similarly, four students sat 10 subjects and earned 10 distinctions each. There were many other students who gained eight or seven distinctions.
With the girls displaying great potential to continue this tradition of excellence, Chief Justice Zaila McCalla, who was the guest speaker for the day's events, delivered a fitting message to the students.
In her address, Mrs. McCalla urged students to use obstacles as challenges to be overcome, assuring them that it is through challenging situations that they would develop strengths and overcome weaknesses.
The chief justice stated that she felt hopeful for the future of the country because she realises the tremendous potential of excellence that the youth represent. Suggesting that there are budding lawyers and judges among the school population, she encouraged the students to work together in order to achieve a just society.
A word on Reform Task Force
She spoke of the job the Reform Task Force is currently doing in an attempt to improve the justice system. Pointing to the backlog of cases, she said it was a system in need of reformation.
Justice McCalla warned students against the idea of getting rich quickly. She stated that, contrary to what now seems to be popular belief, it is hard work that earns success.
She referred to "scam artists who want to reap what other people have sown", and reminded students that "heights by great men reached and kept, were not attained by sudden flight" but rather by spending long hours working feverishly.
