Young Domonick beat the odds against him

An introvert from a young age, Domonick Lewis, who never started speak-ing until he was four years old, has emerged from his cocoon, and was named the JN Scholarship recipient for the parish of St Mary, after acing the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT).

The 12-year-old successfully scored an average of 96.6 per cent in the GSAT, and he will attend St Mary High School.

His mother, Orthense McGregor-Lewis, a teacher of 20 years, credits his success to emotional support from his family and providing him with the necessary resources.

"The key to his success was family support, because as a child, he was withdrawn and could not speak up to basic school. He also had social issues and did not make friends easily," she related.

Lewis said it was important that Domonick was given support. Therefore, she and his father, Harvey Lewis, were central in his preparation. This included his father taking leave, so he could study with him and accompany him to sit the exams.

"If he did not receive emotional support, he would not do well, although he had the academic potential. We identified that from an early stage, and, therefore, we supported him, along with the assistance of his class teacher," Lewis explained.

A student of Labyrinth Primary in St Mary, Domonick earned a perfect score of 100 per cent in communication task; 98 per cent in science; 96 per cent in social studies; 95 per cent in mathematics and 94 per cent in English language.

He said science and social studies were his favourite subjects and that he wanted to pursue a career as a mecha-nical engineer.

"I love vehicles, and I would like to put together a motor vehicle for my parents to transport them around when they get older," Domonick said.

He informed that everyone in his family had a role in his preparation for the GSAT. "My sister helped me with the science; my mother helped with language arts; and my father assisted with the other subjects; as well as my teachers at Labyrinth Primary School," he related.

His word of encouragement to students who will be doing the Primary Exit Profile (PEP), which will replace the GSAT, is to work hard. "Be the best that you can be and study," he advises.

From the rural community of Jeffery Town in western St Mary, Domonick and his family are happy that he is the recipient of the JN Scholarship for the parish of St Mary. Lewis said that she was elated when a friend told her that her son was awarded the scholarship.

"I was extremely ecstatic. We didn't know about it, as the Ministry of Education made the selection. It was a friend who called me and told me about it. On the Sunday evening, I ran and purchased The Gleaner, to see for myself," she recalled, noting the excitement she felt at the time of the announcement.