— Antigua and Barbuda’s top 100 performers in the 2026 Grade Six National Assessment were celebrated Thursday at an awards ceremony recognizing academic achievement, perseverance and the support of teachers and families.

The 14th annual CIBC Caribbean Grade Six National Assessment Awards ceremony, held in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, brought together students, parents, educators and officials at the St. John’s Pentecostal Church House of Restoration Ministries.

Held under the theme “Bright Future, Boundless Potential,” the ceremony recognized leading students overall, outstanding public school performance, subject achievement and the school with the most students among the top performers. A new volunteerism award also recognized service to the community.

Education Minister Daryll Matthew praised the awardees, noting that all students in the group being honored had qualified for gold or silver awards, with no bronze recipients.

“Can you imagine a year when our top 100 students all receive either gold or silver awards — no bronze?” Matthew said. “I think that is highly commendable and deserving of a round of applause.”

Gold awards recognize scores of 360 to 400 marks, while silver awards recognize scores of 340 to 359.

Denushka H. Gibbs of Minoah Magnet Academy led this year’s assessment with 383 marks out of 400. Governor-General Sir Rodney Williams presented her with the top student award, while Matthew presented the Minister of Education Award.

Gibbs also received Pringle’s Plaque of Excellence, presented by retired Director of Education Jacintha Pringle, and shared the highest scores in language arts and mathematics.

Marlensky J. Salien of Baptist Academy of Antigua placed second with 382 marks, finishing just one mark behind Gibbs. He also received the award for the top male student.

Necasia B. Ralph of J. T. Ambrose Primary School placed third nationally and was recognized as the top public school student.

The ceremony honored all 10 leading students, with ties recorded for fourth, sixth and eighth places.

Ethan M. T. Lewis and O’Neil S. Henry Jr., both of Divine Academy of Excellence, shared fourth place. Riel S. Simon of Minoah Magnet Academy and Annastasia M. Aflak of St. Nicholas Primary School tied for sixth.

Semaj A. C. McCoy of Baptist Academy of Antigua and Jenae Z. Lewis of Divine Academy of Excellence shared eighth place. Madison A. C. Williams of St. John’s Lutheran School placed 10th.

Subject awards recognized students who shared the highest marks across the assessment’s four areas.

Gibbs and Aria A. A. Gilead of New Bethel SDA Academy each scored 96 in language arts. Gibbs and Henry shared the mathematics award with scores of 99.

Henry, Lewis and Shalese K. L. Samuel of Antigua Wesleyan Junior Academy each scored 97 in science.

The highest social studies score, also 97, was shared by Peyton Harris-Macfarlane of Island Academy, Ralph of J. T. Ambrose Primary School and Alec J. S. Robin of Pigotts Primary School.

Post Millennial Academy received the Director of Education Award after placing 12 students among the top performers. The award recognizes the school or schools with the most students on the top 100 list.

CIBC Caribbean Country Head Priscilla Leonce congratulated the students on their discipline and determination, encouraging them to carry those qualities into secondary school.

“Being among the top 100 students nationally is a tremendous achievement, and you should be very proud of yourselves,” Leonce said.

She urged students to continue asking questions, learning from mistakes and pursuing their ambitions, while considering how their future achievements could benefit Antigua and Barbuda.

“Your grades are important achievements, but they’re only part of who you are,” she said.

Leonce said the bank’s 14-year partnership with the ministry reflected a shared belief in education as an investment in the country’s future. She also thanked parents, guardians, teachers and school administrators for helping students reach their potential.

Matthew told the awardees that their results reflected sustained effort, including studying when tired and continuing to work through difficult problems.

“No one handed it to them,” he said. “They earned it.”

He described the students as potential future surgeons, engineers, farmers, teachers and national leaders, while urging them to begin demonstrating leadership through honesty, kindness and helping classmates.

“Good marks, boys and girls, will open doors for you, but it is your character that people will remember,” Matthew said.

The minister also called on parents to remain involved as their children entered secondary school, saying families and educators shared responsibility for supporting their progress.

Delivering the closing remarks, Gibbs reflected on the challenges behind her achievement, including long nights of studying, disappointing results and moments of doubt.

She said those experiences had taught her the importance of consistency, discipline and determination, and encouraged fellow students to seek help and learn from mistakes.

“Do not compare yourself to others,” Gibbs said. “Focus on becoming the best version of yourself.”

She thanked her family, teachers and others who had supported her, saying the recognition carried a responsibility to continue working hard and use her abilities to make a positive difference.

“This award is not just mine,” Gibbs said. “It belongs to everyone who has supported me, encouraged me, prayed for me, taught me and believed in me throughout this journey.”

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Antigua and Barbuda Celebrates Top 100 Grade Six Students at National Awards Ceremony.