Danushka Gibbs
By Eddelia Bontiff
For Danushka Gibbs, becoming Antigua and Barbuda’s top-performing student in the 2026 Grade Six National Assessment was not simply the result of academic ability. It was the culmination of years of discipline, determination, family support and a strong belief in putting God first.
Gibbs scored an impressive 383 out of 400, earning the distinction of being the country’s top student despite an educational journey marked by several unexpected disruptions.
Her schooling began at St. Patrick’s Preschool, but her early education was interrupted when the school was destroyed by fire. She later attended Manoah Magnet Academy before moving to St. Andrews School, where she remained from Kindergarten 5 through Grade 5.
Another major adjustment came when St. Andrews was required to close, forcing Gibbs to leave behind teachers and friends and return to Manoah Magnet Academy to complete Grade Six.
Through each transition, her parents remained a steady source of encouragement, reassuring their daughter that things would work out and urging her to remain focused on her education rather than the circumstances surrounding the changes.
That focus was backed by a disciplined study routine.
Gibbs made it a habit to review what she learned at school each day and revise her notes. Mathematics and Science were studied at night with her father, while weekends were dedicated to Social Studies and English with her mother.
English presented her greatest academic challenge, but rather than shy away from the subject, Gibbs worked to improve by writing stories and rhymes and completing past examination papers.
Mathematics, on the other hand, was her favourite subject and came more naturally to her, while Social Studies fell somewhere in between.
Despite feeling nervous as the National Assessment approached, Gibbs remained committed to the study routine she had developed throughout the school year.
That preparation ultimately paid off in a major way, placing her at the very top of the national rankings.
Gibbs has credited several educators with contributing to her success, including Manoah Magnet Academy Principal Dr. Gregg, who provided support to both her and her parents.
She also remembers the contribution of teachers at St. Andrews, including Ms. Maria Gairy, and expressed appreciation to her Grade Six teacher, Ms. Commodore, for the guidance and encouragement received along the way.
But the young scholar’s life is not centred solely on academics.
Gibbs enjoys netball and swimming and has a strong interest in music. She plays both the violin and piano and attends the Lashatadore Music School.
Faith is also an important part of her life. Gibbs enjoys preaching and teaching what she describes as the good news of Jehovah.
Now, after emerging at the top of thousands of students nationally, Gibbs is using her achievement to encourage other young people.
Her advice is simple: remain focused and disciplined, listen to the advice of parents, accept their support and, above all, put God first in everything.
For Gibbs, the remarkable 383 out of 400 score represents far more than an examination result. It reflects years of hard work, perseverance and the support of the people who stood beside her throughout an educational journey that was anything but predictable.
Despite changing schools, teachers and classmates, Gibbs refused to allow the disruptions to derail her ambitions.
That determination has now earned her the prestigious distinction of being Antigua and Barbuda’s top Grade Six National Assessment student for 2026.
Congratulations young lady! Keep soaring high. Congratulations parents. Keep motivating her.