10 subjects despite deaths  | Teen whose parents died shortly before CXC attains 10 subjects, all Grade Ones

10 subjects despite deaths | Teen whose parents died shortly before CXC attains 10 subjects, all Grade Ones

August 22, 2019 0 By Horace Mills

Nathan Walker is no ordinary child.

He lost both parents in consecutive years (2018 and 2019) and still managed to achieve 10 CSEC subjects, administered by the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC).

Even more impressively, the youngster reaped the highest grade possible (Grade One) in all 10 subjects.

His mother, Sharonette Walker, died as a result of asthma complications in February 2018 while he was in Grade 10 at Campion College preparing for internal exams as well as CSEC Mathematics.

With support from his father Kevin Walker, alongside other relatives and friends, Nathan finished the 2018 school year with a bang. He achieved Grade One in CSEC Mathematics, and topped his class in internal exams.

Forward to May 2019, Nathan, who was living alone with his dad, was further saddened by a sudden development regarding his father’s health. His father died a day after being admitted to Spanish Town Hospital – also for respiratory complications.

At the time of his father’s death, Nathan was sitting 9 CSEC subjects, including Additional Mathematics.

He, being the only child for his parents, was left in the care of his paternal aunt and uncle.

No one was certain of Nathan’s emotional response, but it turned out that he – with his calm disposition – helped many to get through the ordeal.

Nathan, who continued to do well academically, again topped his class at Campion College and achieved nine additional CSEC subjects.

Those nine subjects are:

  • Additional Mathematics – Grade One
  • English B (Literature) – Grade One
  • Economics – Grade One
  • Biology – Grade One
  • Caribbean History – Grade One
  • French – Grade One
  • Spanish – Grade One
  • Information Technology – Grade One
  • English A – Grade One

Nathan, who will turn 17 years old on August 30, told The Beacon that he has ‘mixed emotions’ about the CXC results.

“At first, I was filled with so much joy when I saw my results. However, a bit after, it dawned on me that I didn’t have my parents to celebrate with, so it took away some of the initial happiness,” he explained.

The young genius, who keeps himself busy with writing and voluntary activities, performs annually with Father Ho Lung’s movement and assists otherwise with Missionaries of the Poor. He sings; he plays instrument; he serves on Food For The Poor musical band.

Nathan is also certified in DELF (The Diplôme d’études en langue française). That certification of French-language abilities is administered by the International Centre for French Studies for France’s Ministry of Education.

Nathan, who said he is ‘still not entirely sure’ how he coped with the death of his parents, indicated that his active lifestyle is medicine.

“I am involved in many activities and I use them as a distraction; I guess that’s my coping mechanism,” he told The Beacon.

“My parents made sure to raise me with a very firm base, and so I have to give them credit for whatever sliver of strength I manage to have.”

Nathan, now aiming for sixth form at Campion College, wants to eventually work with the United Nations or to become a diplomat representing his island home.

“I want to be someone who lives, works and breathes for the sole purpose of improving the lives of others,” added Nathan, a devout Christian. He is a past student of Kingsgate and Ardenne Preparatory Schools.


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