Perfection was only a percentage point away

Jeniel Green, of the Vaz Preparatory School, stunned her teachers and family as she was just one percentage point away from attaining full marks in the recent Grade Six Achievement Test.

Jeniel received 100 per cent in English language, social studies, integrated science, communication task and 99 per cent in mathematics.

The confident Green said that though she was ecstatic, her achievement was expected as she considered herself to be a hard worker.

"I'm really not surprised because I'm self-motivated and I aim for nothing but the best," she said confidently.

no mediocrity

Her teacher, Prudence Dyer, shared similar sentiments as she said that Jeniel was an impeccable student. She said she was impressed by how confident she was and by the fact that she doesn't settle for mediocrity.

"If she gets just one problem wrong, she gets very depressed and you start seeing the tears. She wants to know that everything is on point," Dyer said.

She also told The Gleaner that she looks forward to marking her book daily as the quality of her work lifts her spirit.

sacrifice for success

Reading widely and doing her own research were some of the steps Jeniel said contributed to her success. At first, she was a bit perturbed about sacrificing her Saturdays to attend classes, having to miss going to the movies or just chilling with her friends. However, she said she has no regrets as it paid off in the end.

She also gave credit to her family which she said supported her all the way. She pointed out that her mother was very elated about her success and was even more excited than she was.

Dyer also emphasised that it was important that parents take the time to monitor their children's work and progress as it is not just the job of the teachers.

"It is three of us who are in this together. The parent, the teacher and the child. All of us have to play a part," she said.

Jeniel will be moving on to Campion College where she is promising to continue making strides.