Angelo Laurence, Gleaner Writer

Students of Manchester High School head for class on the first day of school. - FILE

Mandeville, Manchester:

Manchester High School, one of the parish's leading educational institutions, may come to mind primarily during discussions about the athletic achievements of Olympians such as past student Sherone Simpson.

However, the school, which sits almost in the heart of the busy town of Mandeville, has long led the charge in nurturing students to achieve in academics, cultural art and information technology.

When The Gleaner spoke to Principal Jasford Gabriel, he quickly let it be known that instilling integrity, self-esteem and discipline are integral parts of the school's curriculum. As a result, said school board members Faye Heaven and Alesia James, Manchester High School students have far outpaced those of many other institutions during the yearly exams.

Sixteen-year-old Sheri-Ann Peckam is one of the many shining examples of those who have achieved by way of Manchester High School. In the recent Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate exams, Sheri-Ann, who is no stranger to academic excellence, was among a number of students who achieved an average of six ones. However, what made her star brighter than the other 210 students from Manchester High School who participated in the exam was her receiving ones in all 12 subjects she sat. The subjects were mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, social studies, information technology, French, Spanish, principles of business, human and social biology, English language and principles of accounts.

Future dreams

Described by her schoolmates as somewhat shy, Sheri-Ann's ambition is to become a medical doctor as she has a passion for people, which is already evident in her readiness to assist other students with their schoolwork. Believing in her motto 'all things are possible if you depend on God', she is now in advanced sixth form.

An avid reader, Sheri-Ann's achievements are not by chance, as she will quickly tell you, they are the result of discipline, dedicated parents, teachers who care and her ambition to rise above the ordinary. Established in the 1800s, Manchester High School, with a student population of 1,710, remains a leader in the education process, ensuring a bright future for Jamaica, according to school board member Faye Heaven.