This week's featured overall development as Newsmaker of the Week just ended is the remarkable display of academic prowess by 11-year-old Kemuel Brown who passed English A at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) level.
Kemuel's inspiring story has resonated well with the public, as many students leave high school without a pass in English language, which is one of the two core subjects along with mathematics, that are required to fill most jobs locally, or for further academic qualifications.
To earn a Grade 2 in English A while in grade six at the primary school level amid preparing for the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examinations, made the feat even more impressive.
Some social media users have said that with Kemuel earning a CSEC pass in English A while still in grade six at Morant Bay Primary School in St Thomas, his achievement has inspired countless individuals and solidified his position as a shining example of youthful excellence.
"I wasn't really nervous at all because I practised and I was ready for it," Kemuel humbly shared, recalling his decision to sit the examination alongside students much older than him.
His confidence stemmed from dedicated preparation, largely facilitated by his mother, who is a Vice-Principal of Morant Bay Primary School, Devmarie Blake-Brown. Kemuel was also head boy at the school.
Kemuel said his mother introduced him to English early, and he found the subject “fun and easy”.
He shared that in preparation for PEP, he would attend Saturday classes at Christ Chapel Evening Institute in Morant Bay, which ended just when his mother would begin tutoring CSEC English to students much older than him.
When months of preparation were finally put to the test, and Kemuel began to write his paper, it was only then that he started feeling some nervousness, but he said he kept his focus and told himself that he would do well.
On receiving his results, he admitted to feeling “disappointed but happy”, as he had wanted a range one result. His family, friends and well-wishers, however, were brimming with pride at his achievement.
“They were saying that they were so proud of me and the fact is some people who are older than me (did not do as well). As an 11-year-old child, to get a range 2 and be in Grade 6, they were like ‘wow, that’s a big achievement’,” Kemuel shared.
Beyond his CSEC achievement, Kemuel boasts an impressive array of accolades, including Best Junior Writer in the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Creative Writing Competition, and winner of the Ministry of Education and Youth's Region 2 Literacy Unit Essay Competition.
Now a first form student at St George's College in Kingston, Kemuel rises early each day, embracing the challenges of his new academic chapter.
He said his ambition knows no bounds.
"My goal is to become better than my father, my mother, and everybody else in my family. I want to achieve something extraordinary...," the young boy said.
His father, Jody Brown, an educator, was the 2022 Lasco Teacher of the Year.
While Kemuel's career path remains undecided, he enjoys drawing, reading, playing games and sports.
He is also grateful to the 100-year-old Morant Bay Primary School for its cadre of brilliant teachers, and for helping to develop his leadership skills.
The young boy's remarkable achievement has captured the heart of many social media users. Many of them said his feat underscores the potential within Jamaica's youth, and serves as a motivating force for students of all ages.
"Congratulations. You'll be a great inspiration to most of the upcoming generations, especially those who are willing to adopt your way as an example," a woman wrote on Instagram.
"Proud a yuh yute (youth). Mi dvn (don’t even) know yuh, but keep it up bro," a man commented.
"Congratulations are in order. I do hope as adults, we are ensuring that our children are not missing out on relevant milestones whilst we force them to pursue what could be done in the future," an Instagram user warned.
On Facebook, a woman wished Kemuel continued excellence in his academic endeavours.
"May you continue to excel young man," she added.
Another woman wrote: "Congratulations young man! Keep on focusing on your schoolwork. Only this will take you to your destiny."
A male Facebook user said Kemuel's story was an example of how parents should motivate and encourage their children to achieve excellence.
"Well done little man! When anyone pass English, you are the boss (because) English is not a walk-over subject... I encourage parents (to) be a part of ur (your) child/children’s education help them to practise proper English so we can have more young people pass English," the man wrote.
"They continue to write as how they talk, and they will fail the subject when they do so," he claimed.
Added a woman: "Young man, this is an excellent achievement at age 11. Continue to excel and motivate your peers."
