KINGSTON, Jamaica — The top-performing male Primary Exit Profile (PEP) student in State care says “some days I wanted to do other things but I had to study and work hard”.

“I sacrificed screen time, outside time and a lot of other things,” he told JIS News in an interview.

His grit and determination have earned him a place at Wolmer’s Boys’ School in Kingston.

Reflecting on the months leading up to his success, the young scholar said that he made decisions daily in the best interest of his future.

Without hesitation, he shared that his favourite subject is mathematics.

“I just like maths,” he said, in an interview with JIS News shortly after the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) 2025 PEP Awards Ceremony, held at the Jamaica Conference Centre in Kingston, on Thursday.

He recalled that on the day PEP results were released, he experienced a whirlwind of emotions.

“I was excited and I was proud, but I was kind of disappointed that I never passed for my first choice,” he said.

Still, his determination to continue excelling remains unwavering. “I hope to continue the good work and do even better,” he added.

A multi-talented student, his academic gifts are matched by his athletic prowess.

The youngster, who hopes to play professional football, was captain of his school’s track team, a football beginner and has already played internationally.

Behind every excelling child is a great support system, and for the past two years, he’s had one in the form of a dedicated foster family.

His foster father, reflecting on their decision to welcome him into their home, shared: “If not us, then who? That is the principle that we went into it with. We’ve always been supportive of others where we can. We’re Christians. If we look at what the Bible says, we are called to care for widows and orphans. We love our children. They’re our children. We’re very proud of them and we’re proud of [him].”

He praised his wife and his son’s teachers for playing a major role in his preparation, but was clear about the hard work his son put in.

“I have very, very big expectations for [name redacted]. I just want him to continue doing his best and to work hard. His grades in PEP were exceptional – 99th percentile. He’s going into his high school as a top student and he’s going to continue working hard,” he told JIS News.

Reflecting on his son’s ability to balance sports and school, he said: “He balanced all of that while doing PEP, so we know that he’s very capable of great things and I know he will exceed me. I’m very proud of him.”

— JIS