Jonylle Smith, a student of Victor Dixon High School (formerly West Indies College High School), topped the school in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations with 11 subjects including nine distinctions.

Jonylle, who turned 16 on August 23, was sitting the external exams for the first time. She is the second of four daughters to Joseph and Orchid Smith.

"I am not surprised that she has done so well," said her beaming dad, a pastor. "She has been an avid reader who has read all the books in my library, which is by no means a small one. She appears to be unassuming, but she is smart beyond her age and will engage you on any subject matter because of her wide breadth of knowledge based on her reading habit."

Future plans

Jonylle will attend the Northern Caribbean University this September, where she will pursue a bachelor's degree in management studies with emphasis in law.

She excelled with nine distinctions in English, principles of accounts, information technology, principles of business, biology, office administration, electronic document preparation and management, home economics management, social studies. She also received credits in integrated science and mathematics.

"I thank God for enabling me to be successful in my exams," said Jonylle. "It is a good feeling to do well. I thank my parents and teachers for their support and encouragement over the past years. Excellence is a lifelong journey and I will continue to do my best in all that I do."

All-rounder

Since preparatory school, she has been winning gold and silver medals in the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission's (JCDC) culinary competitions. During her high school years at St Ann's Bay, she entered competitions sponsored by several agencies, including the JCDC's Festival of Arts, National Council on Drug Abuse, Heart Trust National Training Agency in which she won first- and second- place positions and gold and silver medals in their culinary and speech competitions. While at Victor Dixon High School, she has been part of the Schools' Challenge Quiz team for 2009 which advanced to the second round. She loves to read, debate, travel, and interact with people, swim and cook.

Jonylle attended the Willowdene Preparatory School and the Foundation Preparatory School before gaining a high School placement at the St Ann's Bay High School before relocating to Mandeville to attend the Victor Dixon High School in fourth form.

- Nigel Coke