ALDI-ANNA Lewis, sixth-form student at deCarteret College in Manchester and formerly of May Day High School, also in Manchester, has been named the 2025 top performer in the National Child Month Committee’s (NCMC) Youth Academic Achievement Awards.

The awards honour students in non-traditional high schools who have excelled in their Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations.

To celebrate the win, long-standing sponsor of the NCMC, GraceKennedy (GK) hosted Lewis at a special reception at GK’s headquarters in downtown Kingston on March 16, when she was presented with a laptop to support her academic pursuits. The reception was held in place of the awards ceremony which was cancelled in late 2025 due to Hurricane Melissa.

Lewis earned the top spot after securing eight CSEC subjects, including four grade ones — a feat she achieved while serving as deputy head girl at May Day High School and providing critical support to her family during a challenging period.

Speaking at the reception, GraceKennedy Group CEO Frank James said GK is doing its part to shape a stronger future.

“We want to ensure that every Jamaican child, regardless of their background, has the support and the tools they need to excel. Our partnership with the NCMC has flourished for over 60 years, and it remains a cornerstone of our commitment to national development,” James said.

Expressing her gratitude, Lewis noted that the award reflects a journey of perseverance and faith.

“Receiving this award is both a privilege and a deep honour. While I have faced significant personal challenges, I was never alone — I was always surrounded by a community that believed in me,” the youngster said.

“My goal is to become a doctor, and I am so grateful to GraceKennedy for this support. It shows that a student’s struggles do not determine their limits. I want to encourage others who are facing difficult times to keep pushing forward.”

Established in 2013, the annual Youth Academic Achievement Awards specifically recognise a unique combination of academic excellence, resilience, and leadership. Awardees are selected by NCMC for their ability to maintain high standards while overcoming significant adversity.

NCMC chair Nicole Patrick-Shaw noted that the programme was created in response to calls from students at non-traditional high schools who felt marginalised and stigmatised, and desired greater recognition. Each year, the initiative honours approximately 200 students who have distinguished themselves through hard work and community commitment, proving that their circumstances do not define their potential.