DENIELLE Smith has had a knack for teaching since she was a child.

That passion grew exponentially over the years to the point where she has now won the Governor General’s Achievement Award for contributing to the academic success of students in her home parish of St Thomas.

Denielle, who is a Rhodes Scholarship finalist, won the award for the 18 to 24 age group.

“Growing up, I realised that I learned pretty well, quickly. I had a knack for explaining things to people. There was even a time when I wanted to become a teacher, but that changed. I always used my talent in my church from I was very young. From grade six onwards I have been tutoring. I tutored when I was in primary school, I tutored Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate students when I was in high school, and I tutored when I was in university. I tutor Primary Exit Profile [PEP] students now as well,” Denielle shared during a telephone interview with the Jamaica Observer recently.

“A lot of my community involvement has been in tutoring but I also give back through my church, Albion Seventh-day Adventist. Year to year we would have back-to-school treats and we would go out and help the elderly. During COVID-19 we gave out a lot of food items to different individuals who we knew found it difficult during that time. Through academics and my church I have been able to impact the lives of those around me,” she added.

Denielle celebrated her birthday recently and, according to the 21-year-old who attended Excelsior Primary School, Wolmer’s High School for Girls and Northern Caribbean University, many people poured time and resources into her life. She made the point that it would be remiss of her if she refused to do the same for others.

“I am really of the opinion that so many people have poured into me and invested so much in me and that is why [I am] where I am today am. So many other people are there that I need to give back to. We are blessed so [that] we can bless others — that is the principle that I work with,” she said.

The young woman with a bright future, who currently works in accounting at Sagicor in Jamaica, heaped praises on her mother, grandmother, her church, and the people of St Thomas.

“There are a lot of people in my community who have really raised me. I grew up in St Thomas all my life and all of those people helped to shape me into who I am today,” the grateful young woman shared.

The Governor General’s Achievement Awards was launched in 1991. According to the King’s House website, the awards programme recognises and celebrates exceptional Jamaicans who are leading change within their communities and are excelling in areas of leadership and academics, despite the challenges they may face.

Nominees for the awards must fall within a number of categories: they must be Jamaican citizens, have outstanding and verifiable records of community service, and candidates must demonstrate academic excellence. Additionally, candidates must fall in any one of three age categories: 18 to 24, 25 to 35 or over 35 years old.