Kaylei John-Baptiste of the Baptist Academy of Antigua has been named Antigua and Barbuda’s 2025 CSEC Student of the Year after earning 18 Grade One passes in 20 subjects.
John-Baptiste received the top national honor during the 40th National CSEC Awards Ceremony, which celebrated the country’s highest-performing students in the 2025 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate examinations.
The achievement capped a remarkable academic journey for the young scholar, who maintained averages above 90 percent throughout secondary school and graduated as valedictorian of the Baptist Academy’s Class of 2025 with a grade point average of 3.84.
Presenting her profile at the ceremony, Dr. Hensworth Jonas said John-Baptiste demonstrated exceptional commitment to academic excellence from an early age.
“From the onset, Kaylei demonstrated self-determination and a strong drive to achieve the extraordinary,” Jonas said.
He noted that she was one of only two students in her cohort to undertake 20 CSEC subjects in a single sitting and secured numerous top national placements. Among her accomplishments were first-place rankings in Economics, Human and Social Biology and Principles of Accounts, along with top-three finishes in several other subjects.
Beyond academics, John-Baptiste served as a school prefect and distinguished herself in music and sports. She has performed with the Baptist Academy Steel Ensemble, plays violin with the Antigua and Barbuda Youth Symphony Orchestra, and is an avid tennis player.
Her passion for science has also shaped her future ambitions. According to Jonas, John-Baptiste hopes to become a medical doctor and is currently pursuing studies in natural sciences. She has also volunteered at a local medical practice and participated in the prestigious Bold Summers Program at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine.
Jonas praised both the student and her family for their commitment to education and personal development.
“The Baptist Academy of Antigua congratulates Kaylei John-Baptiste on her exceptional achievement in the May-June 2025 CSEC examinations,” he said.
John-Baptiste was among dozens of students recognized during the ceremony, which marked the 40th anniversary of the National CSEC Awards Programme under the theme “Architects of Tomorrow.”
Khaliq Harris of St. Joseph’s Academy was named second-place CSEC Student of the Year, while Nayima Lewis of the Baptist Academy of Antigua secured third place.
In brief remarks after receiving the award, John-Baptiste thanked God, her family, teachers and supporters, and encouraged fellow students to view their achievements as the beginning of a journey rather than the end.
The annual awards programme recognizes outstanding academic performance and celebrates students who have excelled in regional examinations while demonstrating leadership, discipline and commitment to learning.