Boy with two moms grabs spotlight at graduation

When the master of ceremonies invited the parents of Zamani Smith to the stage to celebrate the Bellas Gate Primary School student's academic success, she did not expected to see two women stepping forward.

In fact, even before the boy's dad, Royston Smith, could leave his seat, Sophia Fraser-Smith was on the stage grinning from ear to ear as she revelled in the moment. Samara Letts joined in the moment, hugging and congratulating Zamani.

Fraser-Smith is the boy's stepmother, while Samara is his biological mom.

"Having two moms is awesome! I was a little worried because I wanted to make them proud, but now I'm feeling good," Zamani told THE WEEKEND STAR.

The 11-yer-old boy was awarded at Wednesday's graduation with prizes for mathematics, science, social studies and outstanding performance in the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) ability test. He will be attending St Jago High School, which was his first choice of schools.

The boy's stepmother said he is serious about his education and works extremely hard.

"He always tries to do his best. Sometimes I think I push him too much, because I'm the one who mentors him, but he is dedicated," Fraser-Smith said.

His biological mom describes him as a quiet child who loves learning.

"When he come by the house, the first thing him do a teach him sister," Letts said.

She heaped praises on Fraser-Smith for her role in moulding young Zamani.

"I'm even proud of Sophia because without her, who knows where Zamani would be today. She is a great influence to him and I want to say a big thank you to her, and Royston as well. They have done great," Letts said.

Young Zamani was among students who graduated from the rural St Catherine-based school after the Ministry of Education and Youth released the results of the PEP exams last week.

Amelia Foster emerged as the school's top PEP student, having received highest scores in the ability test and language arts.