Hard-working Kiyana fulfilling her potential

Kiyana Hayles has always been a top student, but when she didn't receive word if she had been awarded a JN Foundation scholarship, she almost lost hope.

But the St Mary student's prayers were answered - her mother delivering the good news. The 12-year-old is now a seventh grade student at St Hilda's Diocesan High School in neighbouring St Ann.

"I was happy [to hear the news]. It makes me feel excited and proud of myself, because I know that most persons, when they apply for scholarships, they don't get it," said Kiyana. The scholarship, which will provide support for five years, was equally welcome news for her mother, Dawn Martin, who operates a food cafe in Galina, St Mary.

"I am so elated, I'm so grateful because sometimes it's really hard so that will come in really handy," she said, adding that based on her daughter's performance in the Primary Exit Profile examinations (PEP), she knew she stood a good chance of getting the scholarship.

In addition to the scholarship award to Kiyana, the JN Foundation awarded five-year scholarships to 36 other students. Fourteen recipients are parish scholars; three, JN Bank Easi-Save County scholars; and 20 are children of JN Group employees who gained the Building Excellence and Achieving More Success scholarship for attaining a placement score of at least 320. An additional 10 students were presented with one-time grants by JN Money Services.

Kiyana's teacher, Shurdan Anderson, said she had expected the scholarship, as Kiyana had always been an outstanding student.

"From grade one right up to grade six, she is always first place. Words cannot explain how proud I am of her," Anderson disclosed. "She was someone who you could depend on. Homework, projects, assignments, and academic work were always done." Kiyana, a former head girl, emerged the overall top performer in PEP and earned the Principal's Award. She was also the valedictorian of her graduating class. She attributes her academic success to discipline and preparation.

"Make sure you focus in school; take proper notes, study when you get home, and don't use your devices often because they can be a distraction," she advised other students preparing for PEP.

Kiyana has quickly adapted to St Hilda's, and hopes to join the 4-H and art clubs, driven by her budding passion for drawing. Her daily routine, however, is not without sacrifice. She rises at 4 a.m. daily to prepare for her journey, which involves taking two buses to get to school. Despite the early start, Kiyana remains enthusiastic.

"Sometimes I feel tired, but it doesn't last. I look forward to school," she said. A voracious reader, she sometimes goes through books twice a day, underscoring her love for stories of all genres. She aspires to become a paediatrician.

"I would like to help children," she said, noting that she would be the first doctor in her family. Guided by the Bible scripture, Philippians 4:13, which says " I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," Kiyana believes that determination will carry her toward her dream.