The story of 11-year-old Ceirena Gayle is one of remarkable success and strength as she received an average of 95 percent in the GSAT this year.
Little Ceirena was the top student at the Gibraltar All Age and Infant School in Gibraltar, St Ann and was the valedictorian at the school’s graduation ceremony.
She will be moving on to St Hilda’s High School in September with new financial challenges.
However, in the background of young Ceirena’s life was the disappearance of her mother, Shelly Dickson more than a year ago, on May 12, 2016. Miss Dickson has not been found since and this left Ceirena now residing under the care of a community member, Petrona Edwards in Knibb Street in Gibraltar. Mrs Edwards also cares for Ceirena’s younger brother, Seron Gayle. Their father, Marlon Gayle also supports them when he is able to.
Despite her mother’s disappearance, young Ceirena explained in an interview with the North Coast Times that she put that aside and “started focusing.”
With aspirations of becoming a bank manager, Ceirena explained that her favourite subject is social studies. It is therefore no surprise that she received a perfect score in the subject area.
Along with her 100 percent in social studies, she received 91 percent in mathematics, 98 percent in science, 94 percent in Language arts and 93 percent in communication studies.
Ceirena indicated that her study routine involved studying every evening until about 8 o’clock.
She also hailed the teachers at the school, who she described as all very supportive.
However, Ceirena explained that her role model is the principal of Gibraltar All Age and Infant School, Shurnette Brown-Jack.
“She is kind, loving, patient and out of all, she is hard working. She also helped me in preparing for GSAT,” Ceirena added.
In the meantime, her caregiver, Petrona Edwards explained that she is very proud of Ceirena’s achievements.
“I am very proud. I feel like she is my own child,” she said, overjoyed, while adding that she has been taking care of Ceirena and her little brother since August of last year.
Mrs Edwards revealed that she talks about the disappearance of their mother with both children as it makes it easier for them.
“The children still have hope of seeing her (their mother) again,” she noted.
TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE CONTINUED
Principal of Gibraltar All Age and Infant School, Shurnette Brown-Jack was also elated at Ceirena’s success as her achievement ensured the tradition of excellence continued at the rural school.
Mrs Brown-Jack described Ceirena as her “baby” and added that she (Ceirena) stayed with her on the weekends. She also played an integral role in the preparation of the 11-year-old’s quest to excel in her critical examinations. Ceirena’s only downfall, according to Mrs Brown-Jack, was the fact that her mother went missing.
“She (Ceirena) has always been an outstanding child. She performed better in previous grades than grade six. If her mom was around, I am sure she would have gotten a Government scholarship. Her mom went all out in giving the support, such as providing the books and playing her role,” Mrs Brown-Jack pointed out.
Despite the absence of Ceirena’s mother, the principal declared that along with herself and the teachers, they were all supportive and gave that motherly love that she needed.
Ceirena remained active at the school especially in the area of sports as she was the captain of the netball team and a member of the students’ council. In addition, she assisted in devotional exercises.
“She (Ceirena) once came to me with an issue and she felt like giving up. I told her that ‘success comes in can, not in cannot’… She mentioned that in her valedictorian speech,” Mrs Brown-Jack recalled.
Mrs Brown-Jack also said that she will continue to play her own role in Ceirena’s journey to St Hilda’s High School in September.
She explained that Ceirena will have financial needs in going forward to high schools. She will need assistance with books, transportation and lunch.
However, Mrs Brown-Jack, along with Mrs Edwards, who take care of Ceirena will continue to assist. Ceirena’s father will also continue to play his part.
Meanwhile, Mrs Brown-Jack, who has been at the helm of the rural St Ann institution for three months, explained that another student followed close behind Ceirena’s performance in GSAT. She was Ashanti Brown with an average of 94 percent.
This again cemented the tradition of excellence at Gibraltar All Age and Infant School as one of the top schools in the delivery of primary education in St Ann.
