SOME persons are good at cricket, some at football, others at basketball, but while many remain sports-oriented, Crystal Dennis sticks to academics because this is what she is best at.

So brilliant is the 16-year-old head girl of Tacky High in St Mary that her principal, Errol Bascoe, is predicting that she will score grade ones in all 11 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations she sat.

This would be in addition to the grade one scores she attained, last year, in the two subjects – Principles of Business and Office Administration.

But, while others are optimistic about her performance, the humble student from the small farming community of Hinds Ville said she expects passes in all but would not predict what grades she is likely to get.

“I know I will get all passes, and I am hoping that they will be good,” she told the Jamaica Observer North East.

Jasmine Williams, one of Dennis’s teachers, said the teen has maintained an A average since first form.

Dennis has represented her school in many areas, including the United Nation Model Assembly held in Kingston last year, where she represented Canada and was placed second for her outstanding speech.

Outside of doing well in school, Dennis loves interacting with people and has a passion for reading.

According to Dennis, she also loves to investigate and discover new things.

Dennis identifies her high self-esteem as the motivating factor behind her hard work and achievements.

The talented goal-oriented student also attributes her success to her faith in God.

“I have a God who cares for me,” said Dennis, who is a member of the Stewart Town Seventh-day Adventist.

With family, friends and a school community that is 100 per cent behind her, Dennis believes that has also contributed to her success.

“My teachers push me to do well. My principal always encourages me,” she told the Observer North East. “With all that encouragement it is only fair that I do well.”

Dennis said she tries to create a balance in carrying out her role as head girl while staying committed to her lessons.

She explained that she uses a timetable but admits she does not always follow it.

When asked if she has any studying techniques, Dennis said going to class does the magic for her.

“When I learn something in class it sticks,” she said.

She, however, admits that some subjects require her to prepare a bit more by reading over the information when she gets home.

While not yet sure what career path to pursue, Dennis made it clear that it will have to be something she loves.

“I want to be something that helps others because I have received a lot of help in my lifetime,” she explained.