"It's hard work, always hard work. I was never naturally bright. I have to put in the hours and dedication to study, in addition to participating in community service," he said.

His commitment has paid off, with the young scholar attaining eight passes at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate level, with three distinctions, four credits and a pass, and three distinctions and four passes in the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination.

Simms is currently a third-year student at the Northern Caribbean University, from which he will be graduating a year early with a Bachelor of Science degree in biological science. He is planning to pursue further studies in medicine with the hope of becoming a surgeon.

He told The Gleaner recently that the life and story of United States surgeon, Ben Carson, inspired him to become a doctor.

Scholarships

Simms was among some 36 secondary and tertiary students who have been awarded scholarships, bursaries and book grants by the Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS) for their outstanding academic achievements.

The scholars were formally presented with their respective awards Sunday at a reception at the organisation's Half-Way-Tree branch in St Andrew.

Guest speaker, Donna-Marie Rowe, chief executive officer of the government news agency, the Jamaica Information Service, commended the managers of the JNBS for sticking to their commitment this year despite the global recession and its ripple effects in the local economy.

She emphasised the importance of a good education and encouraged the students to have a big impact on others and their country.

"Changing or transforming our society should be the focus of our educational pursuits," she said. "With a good education comes responsibility."

Rowe argued that studying should never be conducted in a vacuum and implored parents to help their children relate curriculum content to everyday life.

athaliah.reynolds@gleanerjm.com