It would have been difficult for Saira Mohammed to jump for joy after getting news that she was a President’s Medal winner for 2023. This is because she is nursing a sprained ankle in Grenada, where she is now studying medicine.
However, the former St Augustine Girls’ High School student is still on cloud nine for what is a major achievement in her young life.
The 19-year-old earned all distinctions in Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Caribbean Studies Unit 1 and Communication Studies Unit 2.
Makaya Huggins, from Holy Faith Convent, Couva, was the other President’s Medal winner announced by the Ministry of Education yesterday.
Huggins was the top performing student in Business Studies, Creative and Performing Studies, Language Studies, Modern Studies/Humanities and Technical Studies.
The President’s Medal winners were chosen from among the 100 national scholarship winners announced by the ministry on Thursday.
In a live interview on the CNC3 last night, Mohammed said, “I surely was not expecting this. I went into those exams with the only intention of doing my best. I’m still in shock, I don’t think it has fully processed yet. However, it is a great honour to be among the President’s Medal winners.”
Mohammed, who hails from Munroe Road, Chaguanas, is now studying medicine at St George’s College in Grenada. She praised those closest to her for helping her achieve such success at the CAPE level.
She added, “Without a doubt, hard work, dedication and a strong support system. I dedicate this medal to my parents, Sherina and Sheraaz Mohammed, I would not be where I am today without them. They have always been at my side supporting me during all the happiness and the tears, making my dreams come true. I cannot forget my puppy and all of my friends whom we struggled side by side through CAPE together.”
Mohammed says she is also grateful for the help her teachers would have given her throughout the course of her time in secondary school.
She stated, “I am grateful for all of my teachers who built the foundation for my success, special mention to my science teachers at SAGHs. For Physics, Mrs Dowlath, for Chemistry, Mr Neemar and for Biology, Mr Ramlogan, who are really dedicated to the success of their students. I am proud to give my school this honour. It’s important I also acknowledge my lessons teachers Mr Jamwant and Ms Sangeeta.”
As another cycle of students prepares to sit the CAPE exams, Mohammed had this advice for them, “I would say always believe in yourself. Once you put in the time and the effort, anything is possible. Trying your best is all that matters. My parents had to recently remind me that nothing that is worth it in life comes easily. I now continuously tell myself this every day as I begin my journey in medicine.”
The Government awarded 100 scholarships—32 Open and 68 Additional. Of the 100 scholarships, 72 per cent were awarded to female students while 28 per cent were awarded to male students.
