Hurricane ravaged school produces top PEP student

Though still recovering from the devastating effects of Category 5 Hurricane Melissa, Park Mountain Primary and Infant School in St Elizabeth has much to celebrate, after head girl, 11-year-old Jasonnia Beadle emerged as   Jamaica's top primary student in the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) scoring 394.2 out of 400 points, earning her a spot at Hampton School.  

Park Mountain’s principal Carlene Heath said she is overjoyed at the school’s accomplishments, stating that in addition to Beadle, eight other students earned places at Hampton, nine at Munro College, and eight at St Elizabeth Technical High School.  The students of Park Mountain are known for their resilience. Among them is 12-year-old Alexia Waysome, who successfully put up brave and rigorous battle against bone cancer. She continued to excel in her class collecting awards and pushing forward academically. 

"It is an absolutely wonderful feeling. The challenges have been high this school year but I have a wonderful team working with and my great trust in God. We have the tenacity of wanting to do well and we motivate our students each day,” she said. 

“After the hurricane, we took a month to return to the classroom, much thanks to the members of our community. Four of our buildings were badly damaged, but we got help and tried to make the students as comfortable as possible," Heath said. 

Heath said although they did not lose much PEP materials, there were other major challenges.

"We were without electricity for months, and as such we had to dismiss school early. We lost time, but our teachers are committed  and went the extra mile. We kept it together and created an atmosphere to ensure that our students know that in situations, good or bad, we are going to do well. We have a wonderful set of students at this school, but my Grade Six are a serious set and they repeat their affirmation every morning and the atmosphere is just very powerful," she said. 

Part of the affirmation reads: “We are eagles ready to fly. In our class we aim high and we give our best. We work hard even when it is tough because we know effort is enough. Mistakes are how we train our brain. With courage, care and open minds, we lift each other up and shine so every day, in every way we soar like eagles come what may".  

Speaking with THE STAR yesterday, Jasonnia credited consistent preparation for her success, noting that she spent time watching PEP practice videos online and worked through past examination papers daily. Moreover, the support of her mother at home and the encouragement of her teacher, Dian Dennis, also played a huge role in her accomplishment.

"There were some challenges but with the help of my family and teachers I managed to get back on track. There were minor damages done to our home from the hurricane and I really didn’t have a lot of Internet access but I reviewed my notes from my notebook and textbooks. I would study for at least an hour each day and I just prayed a lot," Beadle said. 

"I was really excited when I found out I am the top student. I am very proud of myself and I was surprised although I know I did my best. I want to become a doctor or nurse and I am one step closer. I want to tell the students that are taking exams next year to keep on trying no matter what challenges life offers and to always have faith in God,” she added. 

Beadle's mother Natesha Mullings said she is still on cloud nine and said the family is extremely proud of the preteen. 

"Words cannot express how I am feeling and tears were just flowing. I jumped and cried. My daughter is the type of child that doesn't idle. Whenever she uses her phone or tablet to go on social media, she would use it to her advantage. She also went over a lot of past papers and she was just really focused. I am really proud of her," Mullings said.