Mom and dad help Shantoy ace PEP

Shantoy Ellis is an ambitious 12-year-old from Waterhouse, St Andrew, who dreams of owning a fleet of hotels.

The St Patrick's Primary School student got her exceptional Primary Exit Profile (PEP) results last Thursday, and is on her way to the Immaculate Conception High School.

She achieved mastery in mathematics and language arts from her Grade-Four Numeracy and Literacy levels, and was ranked highly proficient in mathematics and language arts on the performance tasks. In the grade-six Ability Test, she performed better than 99 per cent of all candidates. Despite the many challenges of the pandemic and adjusting to online learning, Shantoy told THE STAR that she was determined to do her best and is happy her hard work paid off.

"I feel really happy, I studied hard, so the exam was fairly easy," said Shantoy. She also said that she used PEP past papers to prepare for her exams and is grateful that most of what she studied appeared on the papers.

Her mother, Kimanie Ellis, was so excited when she saw her daughter's results that she ran from her salon in Waterhouse to her home to share the results with her family.

"When I saw the results, I literally stopped working and fell to the ground. Then I got up and ran to the house, showed my daughter and she jumped; we were so happy," she said. Shantoy's father, Dave Ellis, is still amazed by his daughter's results and could barely find words to explain how proud he is of her success.

"I don't even have words because I am beyond proud. I am excited she did amazing and it's good to see all the hard work pay off," he said.

Necessary tools and devices

Both parents spent hours helping their daughter prepare for exams and did their best to provide all the necessary tools and devices she needed.

"We would take turns sitting down and ensuring that she does her work and help her with what she doesn't understand. Plus, I work from home so whether on the job or not on the job, I ensured that my daughter's school work was done," said Dave.

Kimanie is also encouraging parents to motivate and support their children regardless of their situation or circumstances.

"You have to be behind your child, especially if you want them to do good. I can't even say this enough. You have to make the sacrifices for your children. Like extra lessons did a lot for her, so I ensured that we put that money aside. Encouragement is also important, and you have to push them to do their best," she said.