A year ago, Neil Charles predicted he would be making headlines.
So Thursday, when it was announced he was the top student in the Barbados Secondary Schools’ Entrance Examination (BSSEE), more commonly known as the Common Entrance, it was not a shock to his parents.
The 11-year St Cyprian’s Boys’ student totalled 241.35 A, which earned him a place at Queen’s College (QC).
When asked how he felt after hearing he got more marks than thousands of other children, a beaming Charles said he was very happy and proud of himself.
“It was a rough time but I managed to push through . . . . Having to give up play time with my friends was the most difficult part but it was worth it,” he said.
Charles is the son of medical professionals Dr Michael Charles, and Dr Joanne Paul-Charles, who visited the Brittons Cross Road, St Michael school to celebrate his success.
Paul-Charles said her son was a car racing fan and, like most boys, enjoyed playing sports with his friends.
“I just tried to keep calm and create a supportive environment for him. So at home we ensured he did his work but still tried to keep a balance.
“I remember him telling me after last year’s results came out, he just casually said, ‘You know, mum, I’m going to be in the papers next year’, and he said it in a cool and casual way,” Paul-Charles said.
After the results were announced, his colleagues joined him on the school’s hard court. They chanted “Neil, Neil, Neil” as they hoisted him in the air. (TG)
