Richard Merchant of Mt. Alvernia Preparatory School in Montego Bay. - TASHIEKA MAIR PHOTO
WESTERN BUREAU:
"I WAS really hopeful but I really did not know what to expect," said Richard Merchant, 12-year-old prefect of the Mount Alvernia Preparatory. He was recalling his reaction to the news that he had received a Government scholarship for his results in the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT).
He told The Gleaner that he knew he would do well because he studied hard at least three to four hours everyday. He also said that it was his teachers' efforts to make sure that every student fully understood what was being taught that helped him.
His mother, Patricia Merchant, said she too knew he would do well because he spent a lot of time studying and was committed to his work.
HE LOVES HIS WORK
"I expected him to do well because he spent a lot of time studying," she said. "He loves his work and he is very motivated."
Richard, who was a member of the school's quiz team, scored over 95 per cent in all five subjects that resulted in an overall average of 97.4 per cent.
He loves playing football, video games and loves to cook, as he is aspiring to become a chef.
One of his teachers, Akiesha Christie described Richard "as an excellent student".
