“The unfulfilled dreams of my parents fuel my determination to forge a path of knowledge and opportunity.”

These are the words of 17-year-old Tyreke Beckford. Though for Beckford, it’s more than just words. Instead, it’s a principle he has interwoven into his everyday life.

The Dinthill Technical High School former deputy head boy was the top-performing boy of his 2024 graduating class, an achievement that filled him with immense pride and fulfilment.

“I felt a profound sense of happiness and accomplishment. Putting my best foot forward, collaborating with my parents and teachers, and ultimately making them proud, was my main goal. Achieving this milestone made all the hard work worthwhile,” he told Observer Online.

But, top-performing boy was only a notch on his belt of achievements. His accolades also include most outstanding work experience student in Engineering; Dinthill Citizen of the Year Award 2024; Class of 82- Citizen of the Year Award; Class of 4 Eng Tech ’89 Awards for Excellence in Engineering; 1st place In Class Engineering Technology 2; Distinction Diploma – Engineering Technology; Dinthill Technical Florida Chapter – Top Boy award; 1st in Mechanical Engineering; and Dinthill Citizen of the Year Award 2024.

A table of Tyreke Beckford’s achievements and awards. (Photo contributed)

Beckford also received a scholarship from his Member of Parliament as top-performing boy for the graduating class.

And, with his Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate examination results still pending in Mathematics, English Language, Social Studies, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Physical Education, Technical Drawing, and Integrated Science, Beckford expects more to come.

The foundational element in his blueprint to success is his family.

Noting that he is nothing without his parents, Beckford explained “My mother and father weren’t able to finish their education due to circumstances beyond their control. Despite this, they have sacrificed so much for me, making life easier and ensuring that my sister and I never go to bed hungry at night.”

He continued, “We fight for our dreams together as a family, with support from my grandmother overseas and sometimes other family members. Through it all, my parents have never let me down. We have come a long way. Growing up, I learned first-hand that the struggle is real, and tough times are a part of life. These experiences have profoundly shaped me into the person I am today.”

Mother Shameka Salmon and father Jermaine Beckford share in their son’s achievements during his graduation from Dinthill Technical High School. (Photo contributed)

He is the second of three children raised by his parents who have been together for 19 years.

The overachiever intends to be the first in his family to attend university.

“I’m heading to university with contingent acceptance at the University of Technology and the Caribbean Maritime Institute, eagerly awaiting my CXC results to begin this new journey later this year,” he shared, noting that he has applied for the Government’s TVET scholarship to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Technology, specialising in Mechanical Engineering.

“I am passionate about hands on work. I love to weld. I am a very effective electric arc welder. I don’t have anyone in my family that does mechanical engineering; however, in eighth grade, I picked the subjects I love the most and was placed in an engineering class. I wasn’t sure about it at first, but I grew to love it. I am a very active person, and I love hands on work, fixing things, and putting things together. Pleasing people with everything I do just makes me happy,” Beckford told Observer Online.

He dreams of becoming a Mechanical Engineering Officer in the Jamaica Defence Force and an entrepreneur with his own engineering companies.

“I’m a corporal in the Jamaica Combined Cadet Force. I’m drawn to the army because I love leading, helping others, and ensuring everything is well structured. Serving, protecting, and the opportunities for personal growth are also reasons I want to join,” he explained.

Despite his many responsibilities and goals, Beckford makes time for fun.

“Best believe I’m a party fan. My father is a music entertainer/sound system operator. So, I go to party in the day with him and play his monitor sound (Frenz Hype Sound). I’m also a graphic designer. I build party flyers and more. I make a little profit from it… I try my best to be all rounded,” he said.