Petrina Francis, Staff Reporter

Casrine Varcianna, former student of Cambridge High School, St. James, accepts her award from V. Stewart, wife of Michael Stewart, president of the Association of Principals and Vice-principals. - Peta-Gaye Clachar/Staff Photographer

Casrine Varcianna and Richard Forsythe, former students of Cambridge and Seaforth high schools, respectively, proved that upgraded high schools do produce excellent students, after they both graduated from their institutions with 12 subjects each.

The two were among 96 students of upgraded high schools who received awards yesterday from the Association of Principals and Vice-principals for their performance in the 2007 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate examinations. These students received between six and 12 subjects each.

"It feels great. I am honoured to be here. I feel good about my school and to know that we are now promoting upgraded high schools," Casrine told The Gleaner yesterday, following the ceremony, which was held at the Knutsford Court Hotel, St. Andrew.

Success factors

Casrine did one subject in fourth form and 11 in fifth form. She noted that her achievements were not easy, but determination, hard work and God were the factors that caused her to succeed.

She is currently working and hopes to return to school next year to pursue a career in nursing or business.

Casrine got Grade One in biology, English literature and integrated science; Grade Two in social studies, geography, information technology, accounts, principles of business and office administration; and Grade Three for mathematics, English language and chemistry.

Parental support

Richard said his parents and church members were the driving forces behind his success.

"My parents believed in me, I believed in myself and my church believed in me big time," he told The Gleaner.

He said he was elated to have received the award from the Association of Principals and Vice-principals.

Richard sat three subjects in fourth form and nine in fifth form.

He is currently participating in the National Youth Service programme and intends to pursue studies in architecture at the University of Technology next year.