The private St Gabriel’s Primary School secured the top boy and top girl honours in this year’s Barbados Secondary Schools’ Entrance Examination, placing four pupils among the island’s top ten performers and marking one of the school’s strongest showings in recent years.
The school was filled with excitement after Minister of Education Transformation Chad Blackman announced the results, with top boy Benjamin Luciene expressing pride and gratitude for those who supported him throughout the journey.
“I’m happy. I feel proud to do this good… I’m just overall happy,” he said. “I’ve been supported through my family, teachers, friends through all this journey here. On the exam day I just tried my best. I’m just satisfied with everything on this journey.”
Top Boy Benjamin Luciene was all smiles with his father Maxime Luciene and mother Witnie Luciene. (Photo Credit: Shamar Blunt/Barbados TODAY)
He admitted that nerves were a factor leading up to the examination.
“To be honest, I just wanted to get it over with. On the day I just wanted to try my best and be happy with what’s going on.”
His father, Maxime Luciene, credited the achievement to a supportive home environment and a balanced approach to childhood.
“We are so happy. We want to thank God and thank the school St Gabriel,” he said. “For us at home we just try to create an environment where he can thrive.”
He added that while academics were important, the family was equally focused on ensuring Benjamin enjoyed a normal childhood.
“What is more important is a child who is a child, doing what children do. We just try to create the best environment, provide a healthy diet, provide the spiritual guidance, and provide the best conditions for him to do what he has to do.”
Top girl Xiomara Alexis Lascaris said months of revision and preparation paid off.
Top girl Xiomara Alexis Lascaris being embraced by her mom Witney Lascaris. (Photo Credit: Shamar Blunt/Barbados TODAY)
“I feel accomplished; I feel like I did a good job. I worked hard for this, and I feel thankful for everybody who got me to where I am today,” she said.
The aspiring Harrison College student said she was looking forward to the next chapter.
“I went to the tour, and it was nice. I got to see the classrooms, see the areas I could choose to go, and I think I would like my time there.”
Her mother, Witney Lascaris, praised her daughter’s dedication and sacrifices.
“I am extremely proud of Xiomara. She worked hard. There were sacrifices made, but she’s definitely a trooper, and she definitely takes her work seriously.”
She also revealed that Xiomara’s future ambitions have ranged from becoming an astronaut to becoming a pilot.
Among the other top performers was Shiloh Noelle Brewster, who earned a place in the top ten and secured admission to her first-choice school, Queen’s College.
Top performer Shiloh Noelle Brewster. (Photo Credit: Shamar Blunt/Barbados TODAY)
“I feel proud of myself and happy for my freedom after it,” she said with a laugh, noting that she was eager to return to hobbies she had put aside while preparing for the examination.
Shiloh said she reduced her use of electronic devices and spent countless hours completing practice papers. Her reward for the achievement was simple: “doughnuts”.
Her father, Leon Brewster, described her success as the result of discipline and confidence, while her mother, Denise Brewster, said the entire family rallied around her throughout the preparation process.
Father of top performer Shiloh Noelle Brewster, Leon Brewster. (Photo Credit: Shamar Blunt/Barbados TODAY)
Also earning a place in the top ten was Adelaide Mae Sikkens, who modestly summed up her achievement: “I feel happy.”
Mother Dana Sikkens said the family’s approach was straightforward.
“We just kind of tried to keep her calm and just carry on like normal.”
(SB)
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