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Students at the St. Catherine-based José Martí Technical High School who have been recognised for achievements in academics, sports and other areas of school life, have emphasised the importance of hard work, motivation and support in their success.

For Chevaughn Johnson, who was named the top student for exceptional performance in academics, there were no shortcuts to success, crediting his accomplishments to dedicated studies.

“I always hear people say that the [journey] is the destination, but the process was extremely hard – studying after school, late at night – so it was an endless process,” he told JIS News at the recent awards ceremony held at the institution.

He noted that his parents, teachers, fellow students, as well as friends from other schools, pushed him towards success.

“We have this competition going on for a while now where we motivate and push each other,” he said, noting that they also share in his accomplishments.

Sports Girl of the Year, Ashawna Sibbles, who was recognised for outstanding performance and dedication to the netball team, said she was shocked but proud at the honour.

She noted the importance of students engaging in sports for their mental wellness.

“It gives us a better mental state even when you are going through something. Sports help me through my daily life because after a full day at school, I can turn to sports to release that stress or anxiety that I have been through,” she said.

Ashawna hailed her fellow team members and encouraged them to continue to work hard.

“We all have talent. Continue to give your dedicated time to the sport and I know most of us… will reach far in life, as in making a Jamaica team, or branching off to whatever we want as our goal,” she said.

Chayanne Daley, who received a trophy for outstanding performance in the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE), told JIS News that staying focused and disciplined are key ingredients in achieving academic excellence.

She said there “there must be a determined effort not to give up” when things become challenging.

“Have faith in yourself. At one point… I did not want to go to school, but eventually, I picked myself up and pushed through,” she related to JIS News.

The budding medical doctor credited her parents for standing with her during the difficult periods, and the teachers who motivated her.

“Thanks for having faith in me,” she expressed.

For students facing similar doubts in their abilities, Chayanne urged them “not to give up and keeping studying even though you don’t like to study and read, read, and read”.