radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt
Naparima College’s Niall Hosein says he never expected to cop the prestigious President Medal Gold award, although he had been preparing for it since Form One.
Speaking to Guardian Media yesterday, Hosein said the pandemic was challenging and stressful but he was thankful to his teachers who were always accessible whenever he needed help.
“When I got the news I was lost for words. It was an overwhelming experience. My parents were there and I had the phone on speaker. When we heard I won, everyone started screaming,” Hosein revealed as he hugged his mother Nirala Maharaj-Hosein, father Ronald Hosein and 11-year-old brother, Nishal.
He added, “Ever since Form One I wanted a scholarship. I would look at ones who won Open scholarships and hope that one day I would stand in their shoes.”
Hosein said there were many sleepless nights.
“I wondered what if I didn’t get a scholarship,” he revealed.
Hosein said he had taken a year off his studies but planned to enter university this year.
“I intend to go into medicine. I am working as an assistant teacher and a lab assistant at Naparima College right now and I would most likely work for this term and next term but after that, I would start university later this year,” he added.
He said the pandemic presented challenges because he did not have face-to-face interaction with his teachers but everyone worked together.
Meanwhile, Presbyterian Moderator Rev Joy Abdul-Mohan said she was not surprised at all by the continuous excellence at the five Presbyterian secondary schools.
She said the Presbyterian schools had copped 33 scholarships.
Asked what was responsible for this, Abdul-Mohan said, “It is the all-round education which we have at our schools, where our students are not just taught academics but also worship, inclusive of spiritual and moral education. They engage in sports and they are blessed with an all-round education, that is why they excel.”
She added, “Teachers and parents also play key roles in the success of our men and women. The teachers teach our students how to be good human beings. They are taught how to be a good citizen and how to live with integrity, compassion and care.”
Abdul-Mohan said the PCTT was elated by the accomplishment and urged parents to continue to nurture their children.
She said, “We salute our principals, teachers, parents and all ancillary staff in Naparima College who have played an integral role in building the lives of the young men.”
School principal Roger Ali also praised the hardworking teachers at his school, saying despite the challenges experienced during the pandemic, they continued to work with the students to ensure their success.
Hosein was the top performer in Environmental Studies, Information and Communication Technology, Mathematics and Natural Sciences, while Lakhmi Girls’ Hindu College’s Nikeesha Nancoo also won a President’s Medal after she excelled in Business Studies, Creative and Performing Studies, General Studies, Language Studies, Humanities and Technical Studies.
The scholarships were based on the results of the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE) 2021. A total of 100 scholarships were given this year.
