Governor General Sir Rodney Williams has applauded the efforts of the country’s top scholars, who were awarded at a ceremony on Wednesday for what he called hard work and resilience.

The students, eight of them, were presented with the Governor Generals Academic Award at the Government House. The presentations were made as part of the country’s 41^st Independence anniversary celebrations. This year activities are being held under the theme “Unity, Strength, and Stability”

The awards are usually featured in the annual Youth Rally ceremony but fell victim like many other things to Covid for two years.

“Thankfully we overcame this temporary dilemma and are celebrating our youths and recognizing their outstanding academic achievements…The outstanding performances of our awardees thanks to the fact that the pandemic did not dampen their spirits or resolve to succeed,” he said.

Sir Rodney said too, that their ability to overcome the challenges reveals the presence of a flexible support system, at the levels of their schools, communities, and churches.

“As we reflect on the past three years, we are easily motivated to give special thanks to our education policymakers, administrators, tutors and support staff, and all the teachers who played a key role in keeping our school systems operating in spite of the challenges,”; he added.

Awards were presented to Shanika Semper, the top Business Department student for 2020 at Antigua State College.

Shequanie King, the top 2021 CAPE student, Amya James, the top 2022 CAPE student, and Mjolnir Messiah, the top CSEC 2020 student, and whose award was received by his motherNatasha Nathaniel-Messiahon his behalf, were also honoured.

Pia Nichols received the award for being the top CSEC student for 2021, while Chidindu Ohaegbulam was the top 2022 CSEC student.

 Aline Challenger was the top Grade Six National Assessment 2021 student, and Elyssa Athill was the top Grade Six National Assessment student for 2022.

Ohaegbulam, who attended the St Joseph’s Academy, completed an incredible 23 subjects with 21 grade ones and two grade twos, making him this year’s top CSEC performer.