BLACK RIVER, St Elizabeth – He thought he had done badly in some subjects in the Grade Six Achievement Test, but as it turns out, Rajiv Thompson had nothing to worry about.

In fact, the 12-year-old from Black River Primary and Infant School in St Elizabeth got the highest mark from a primary, all age or junior high school, earning him the Marcus Garvey Scholarship that will help defray the cost of attending Manchester High School in September.

Rajiv got perfect scores in Math and Social Studies, 96 for Language Arts, a 93 in Science, and 11 out of 12 for Communication Tasks. He attributed his success to the hard work of the teachers at the school and his supportive parents.

“I really didn’t know that I would have gotten a scholarship because I thought that I had done badly in some of the subjects,” Rajiv told the Observer last Friday as he basked in the wave of congratulations from his schoolmates, teachers and parents at the school last Friday.

But his experienced teacher, Icylyn Malcolm, said she had been confident that Rajiv would have walked away with a scholarship.

“It came as no surprise. I know that he could achieve it,” she said proudly of her pupil who lives in Vineyard, Black River.

“He is one who does not waste time and he is very focused,” said Malcolm, who has been preparing students for external exams for more than 20 years.

Rajiv’s mother, Avril Thompson, agreed.

“Even though I was happy and excited when I heard that he got the scholarship, I wasn’t really surprised,” she admitted. “I know that he always gets good grades at school and that he is a hard worker.”

But Rajiv isn’t all schoolwork.

Born September 16, 1993, he loves to watch television and he also plays football and cricket occasionally.

Rajiv, who wants to be a medical doctor, is looking forward to starting classes at Manchester High School, which he has long dreamed of attending.

“I am really looking forward to going to Manchester High School, even though I know that the work there is going to be more challenging,” said the soft-spoken teen.

But his teacher believes that young Rajiv will rise to the occasion while at high school.

“I think that he will do well there. He is a very well-balanced and focused youngster,” said Malcolm.

Rajiv now joins the ranks of former schoolmates Ashley Hamilton and Michelle Johnson, who were last year awarded the JAG Smith Scholarship and Bank of Nova Scholarship, respectively based on their outstanding performance in the GSAT exams.