Adrianna Laing moves toward nursing goal after Maggotty High graduation

Adrianna Laing has moved nearer to her ambition of becoming a nurse after graduating from Maggotty High School last Thursday, while still pressing on with a lengthy recovery from the injuries she suffered in a 2022 fire. Laing, the only survivor of the blaze that claimed the lives of her three younger brothers in Springfield, Westmoreland, said she now wants to continue her studies and work towards a career in nursing.

Staff members at the St. Elizabeth-based school said reaching graduation was a major milestone in itself. Since the fire, Laing has travelled overseas for more than 30 surgeries, with initial funding provided by the SandManna Foundation. She said her many hospital visits helped shape her career choice, as spending time around children receiving treatment stirred her interest in caring for others.

Fallon Johnson, an Education Ministry-appointed shadow who helped Laing return to the school system in 2023, said the support she provided was often hands-on. Johnson said she helped with writing when Laing became tired or overwhelmed, completed notes for her when needed, and collected missed assignments from teachers during absences so she could keep up with schoolwork. Teachers also said they tried to accommodate her on days when she was uncomfortable, and described her as diligent in practical subjects such as food and nutrition and home and family management.

Laing said the head of department and three close friends were especially important in helping her through classwork and examinations. She added that many people have messaged her to say her story shows strength and resilience, and she is glad her experience can encourage others. Still, she said intense heat remains one of her hardest daily challenges. At home, she avoids long sleeves, uses sunscreen, keeps out of the sun as much as possible and often goes to a nearby river to cool down. She said moving from class to class in Grade 11 was difficult because she was not always in the air-conditioned food lab, but her friends helped her manage. In just over a month, she is expected to travel overseas again for another surgery.