A big achiever, Adrian Rhoden
July 16, 2019Adrian Rhoden, who recently graduated as salutatorian from fifth form at Cornwall College in St James, has achieved enough to start celebrating.
Another round of celebration is expected in the coming weeks when he receives the results for 10 CSEC subjects, administered by the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC).
Adrian, in addition to graduating as salutatorian last month, was valedictorian when he left New Concept Kindergarten, and again valedictorian when he left Chetwood Memorial Primary School.
The 17-year-old native of Flower Hill, St James, already holds three distinctions in as many CSEC subjects.
His mother, Claudia Jarrett, was early in realizing her son’s special academic capabilities.
She told The Beacon:
Rhoden began kindergarten at age three.
The second day I went to his school, I realised he was in the principal’s class.
After making queries as to why he’s not in the beginners’ class, I was told by the principal that this little boy is a special child.
He was reading fluently; he could do almost everything; he graduated valedictorian.
The mother further explained that Adrian, at age six, commenced prep school, and, since then, managed to maintain his first-place position.
During primary school, he was the captain of various teams, including Junior Schools Challenge Quiz.
Adrian’s mom added:
Many times, he would be travelling to and from Kingston for the University of the West Indies Mathematics Olympiad, where he placed 3rd and 5th island-wide in Grade 5 and 6 respectively.
In 2014, he was the Butterkist Mathematics national and parish champion.
Days prior to the sitting of the GSAT examinations, he took ill, but still managed to achieve an average of 96 percent and was placed at his first choice – Cornwall College.
He graduated primary school as Head Boy, top GSAT student, top Mathematics student, valedictorian – among other things.
The mother added that, after Adrian enrolled at Cornwall College, he continued to display excellent work ethic – maintaining his position on the Gold Honour Roll for all five years by attaining an average of more than 80 percent.
She further explained:
Each year, Adrian finished at the top of his class.
For the second, third and fourth forms, he was awarded the PTA Award for Excellence for achieving the highest overall average in his grade.
In Grade 9, he ranked third island-wide in the University of the West Indies (Mona) Mathematics Olympiad.
He also sat three CSEC examinations in Grade 10, and passed each with a Grade One, ranking sixth island-wide for Human and Social Biology.
Adrian’s mother also told The Beacon that, outside of academics, her son was involved in several co-curricular activities.
He participated in tournaments and events for the Quiz Club, Spanish Club, Debate Club, Mathematics Club and Chess Society. He was also involved in the Key Club, Interact Club, Geography Club, Students’ Council, and the Prefect Council.
Adrian, whose dream is to become an obstetric gynaecologist, intends to enroll in the sixth form programme at Cornwall College.
He stated that he is happy to make his mother proud, adding that his father Oscar Rhoden would also be proud if he were still alive.
He died of natural cause in May 2017.
Adrian, who has vowed to continue honouring his dad’s memory with success, told The Beacon:
Despite how the news of his death hit me the morning, I figured the best I could do was to carry out his wishes by continuing on my path.
I tried my best to do so, and I am sure he would not be disappointed if he had the opportunity to see his son today…
I try my best to remain humble through it all, and, whenever I lay my eyes upon the trophies, plaques, medals, etcetera, I see the contributions made by those who have put their trust in me to make them proud.
Adrian, in the meantime, urged young people to find a success strategy that works for them.
He worked hard to achieve the results amassed over the years.
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