Over 500 high school graduates from 35 high schools across the country were today recognized for their outstanding performance on last year's CXC examinations. In a ceremony held at the Saint John's College gymnasium, the honorees received certificates of excellence, recognition, as well as individual and group subject awards. The top performer was Charmaine Chinapen who sat examinations in 11 subjects and recieved nine grade 1 passes and two grade 2 passes. Wilhem Casey of Muffles College placed second with nine grade 1 passes. 357 of the students, with passes in six or more subjects, will also be recipients of tertiary level tuition scholarships from the Ministry of Education.
Also honored today were students from past years who by some oversight or the other were not recognized at the appropriate time. One of those students is Inga Aikman who back in 2002 sat 8 exams obtaining passes in all of them. It first came to light a few weeks ago in the reporter newspaper which asserted that Inga had been robbed of the top honor. That is until today when she received an award, and asked for special permission to address the audience.
Inga Aikman,
"I greatly regret the controversy and conflict that my receiving this recognition has caused. Unfortunately, the entire ordeal has involved the emotions of students, parents, and administrators. I know I have been silent on this issue but as a young adult I feel that in the spirit of maturity I should explain my perspective. Firstly my motivation was not to strip Michelle Brown or Leon Westby of any recognition they received last year. They are both impeccable and intelligent students and they did meet the country's requirement for most outstanding candidates and are fully deserving of the award and recognition they deserved. My intention was not to belittle their achievements in anyway and if it appears I was doing so I offer sincerest apologies."