Daynia brings GSAT glory to Nonsuch
FACED WITH the challenge of attending classes without lunch money, 11-year-old Daynia Deans has defied the odds by becoming the highest achiever in the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) at Nonsuch Primary since the school’s inception.
Deans, who hails from Nonsuch, arguably one of the most depressed communities in Portland, reportedly endured severe hardships, surviving only through a meagre financial support from her mother in a single-parent setting.
“She is a young and determined student,” said Christine Parkes, grandmother of the successful student.
“Having no lunch money at times compounded the challenges, but she was determined to do well. Yes, there were days when she would go hungry, whilst other students had lunch, but that was by no means a deterrent to her, as it motivated her even more to do well,” Parkes recounted.
Additionally, her grandmother recalled that Daynia prepared a study schedule that she followed closely and revised regularly.
Deans is the first of two children for her mother, Samantha Everett, who was absent when The Gleaner visited the school. However, our news team learned that the single parent supported her wholeheartedly, despite the limited resources at their disposal.
NO SURPRISE
“It comes as no surprise that Daynia did very well in GSAT,” commented Marlise Cowie Adiansingh, principal of the school.
She added: “I conditioned 12 students for GSAT and extra classes were held each afternoon after school. Even when no one else turns up for extra class, Daynia was always present. We have a major crisis at the school, as there is no Internet available. Daynia completes here homework on time but her biggest fear was mathematics.