Education Minister Salutes Top PEP Student at Park Mountain Primary in St. Elizabeth

Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, went to Park Mountain Primary and Infant School in St. Elizabeth on Thursday, June 25, to mark the institution's impressive Primary Exit Profile (PEP) performance.

The visit took on added significance because 11-year-old Jasonnia Beadle, a pupil at the school, was named Jamaica's highest-ranking primary-level PEP candidate. Jasonnia holds the position of Head Girl.

Dr. Morris Dixon used the occasion to hand over a laptop to Jasonnia and to Head Boy Najhay Nish, who has gained a place at Munro College. The gifts formed part of the Minister's recognition of their personal achievements.

Speaking at the school, Dr. Morris Dixon said Jasonnia, Najhay, and their fellow students demonstrated that ability and promise can be found in every corner of Jamaica, no matter how distant or rural the community.

"I'm so glad you get to be highlighted, to get all this publicity because it was hard work. It's not just something that just happened. It is something that has taken place because of the leadership and the school community," Dr. Morris Dixon outlined.

She commended the pupils' maturity and confidence, noting that their remarks reflected the standard of teaching and preparation at the school, despite disruption caused by Hurricane Melissa in October last year.

The Minister also praised the principal, the school board, and the teaching staff for raising the institution to what she described as an "elite school." She recalled mathematics and English programmes she had seen during a prior visit, and said those efforts had clearly delivered results through deliberate action and strong leadership.

"So, what I've learned from interacting with the head boy and the head girl, who is that number-one primary student, is that success can be had in our schools where we put in the initiatives," Dr. Morris Dixon explained. "Also, the parents are very involved, the PTA is here and involved, and that says a lot. So, you have a school with excellent leadership, you have excellent teachers, you have a community that is involved – that is how we get success," she added.

Dr. Morris Dixon stressed that the Government remains committed to backing schools across the island so that more students can reach their potential and attain academic excellence.