And amidst all the downright depressing news this week about the aftermath of Hurricane Richard - there is inspiring news tonight about a Belizean who has proved himself to be the best among secondary schoolers in the entire Caribbean.
Dorien Villafranco, a math and physics major at the St. John's Junior College was named the Most Outstanding Candidate overall in the 2010 CSEC examinations, making it the first for Belize.
For those not quite familiar with the term, CSEC is the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate which used to be called the CXC up until a few years ago.
But call it what you want, Villafranco, is the boss of it!
The St. John's College graduate topped the Caribbean by achieving an impressive 15 Grade 1's.
He achieved Grade 1 in Biology, Caribbean History, Chemistry, English A, English B, Information Technology, Integrated Science, Mathematics, Physics, Principles of Accounts, Religious Education, Social Studies, Spanish, Physical Education, and Sport and Human and Social Biology - and, again, he got all Grade 1's.
It is an awesome, impressive feat and the unassuming Belmopan resident told Andrea Polanco how he did it:
Dorien Villafranco, 2010 Top CSEC Student
"I was excited that all my hard work that I put in actually paid off in the end and a correction to your statement; it was 15 grades 1; it's just that 13 of them were distinctions and 2 grade 2 profiles."
Andrea Polanco
"What was this preparation like for so many CXCs?
Dorien Villafranco, 2010 Top CSEC Student
"I think it was confinement to my room basically for 4 years. Not going to any parties and stuff just consistent studying the books and just keep on being dedicated to school work. It paid off in the end."
Andrea Polanco
"So did you expect to be name the best student overall within the Caribbean? I mean you made history; you are the first for Belize."
Dorien Villafranco, 2010 Top CSEC Student
"I was expecting the country, I would have to say but the Caribbean is a bit beyond my reach I was thinking, but the Caribbean is a good thing and all my hard work paid off so it was good."
"I would just like to give advice to other students who are pursuing their CXC studies that they should just believe in their selves and put in the hard work and it will pay off in the end."
Frank Garbutt, President SJC
"Dorien has always been an exceptional student and I don't think anyone expected to perform but excellently. It is a wonderful for Belize that the Caribbean now recognizes that we have towering intellectuals like young Dorien and there are many others so it's a wonderful think that we have a young man who is a role model for many others out there to now look to and say that they want achieve just the same."
The Caribbean Examinations Council has awarded Dorien prizes of a full scholarship to the UWI, monetary gifts, plaques and books. Those will be handed over at a ceremony in Turks and Caicos Islands on December 2nd.
As a result of their student's performance, St. John's College will also receive the CSEC School of the Year Award.
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