MOUNT AIRY, Westmoreland — Despite the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa on its community and school compound, Mount Airy Primary and Infant School has emerged as one of Westmoreland’s standout success stories, delivering exceptional results in the 2026 Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examinations.

Of the more than 80 students who sat the exam, 25 secured placements among the top 300 performers islandwide, a remarkable achievement that highlights the resilience, determination, and hard work of students, teachers, parents, and the wider community in the aftermath of the disaster.

The 2025-2026 academic year presented significant challenges as the Category 5 storm disrupted normal teaching and learning activities, damaged school infrastructure, and forced major adjustments to daily operations. Yet, through innovation, commitment and collective effort, the school community ensured that learning continued uninterrupted.

To minimise learning loss and keep students engaged, the school implemented a comprehensive support programme that included extra afternoon classes, Saturday sessions, PEP camps, and online learning activities. Teachers also provided personalised support to help students remain focused despite challenges.

“We are celebrating today because our students’ achievements are a reflection of their own hard work, supported by dedicated teachers, committed parents, and a community that rallied behind them,” Principal Nichol Jackson told the Jamaica Observer.

She explained that teachers established personalised goals for each student and closely monitored their progress throughout the school year.

“This year, in particular, our celebration will continue for days and months because Hurricane Melissa devastated our community and left many families facing stressful conditions and instability. The hurricane disrupted the structure and comfort that many of our students relied on, and concerns about learning loss emerged almost immediately after the storm,” she said.

Among the school’s top performers were top girl Kezhanae Ennis and top boy Tyrese Bailey, both of whom were taught by Cleo Jones-Kentish. Other high achievers included Leshaille Vassiano and Kasim Nichols, who were prepared by Pamela Daley.

Mount Airy Primary and Infant School students sitting Primary Exit Profile exams earlier this year.

Bailey described his journey to success as one marked by perseverance.

“I am elated to be named top boy at my school. Preparing for the examinations after Hurricane Melissa was very challenging, especially because of the severe damage done to our school. I want to thank my strict but dedicated teacher who helped us remain focused. By following revision schedules and working closely with my teacher and classmates, I was able to achieve this goal. This achievement shows that resilience and hard work can turn difficult circumstances into success,” he said.

Ennis also reflected on overcoming the obstacles created by the hurricane.

“I am extremely happy to be named top girl for Mount Airy [Primary and Infant School]. This achievement would not have been possible without the support of my family, friends, and teachers. Even through the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, I refused to let the challenges stop me from achieving my goals,” she said.

Her proud teacher, Jones-Kentish, said the school worked diligently to ease the trauma caused by the hurricane.

“We did our best to create a sense of normalcy for our students through one-on-one instruction and specially tailored learning experiences designed to meet their individual needs and ease any anxieties they may have had. We even utilised technology before electricity was restored by connecting projectors to generators so lessons could continue,” she explained.

She credited the school’s faith-based culture and dedicated staff for helping students remain motivated.

Students of Mount Airy Primary and Infant School, who sat this year’s Primary Exit Profile exam, with their proud teachers Cleo Jones-Kentish (third left) and Pamela Daley (front, right). (Photo: Rosalee Wood Condell)

“Our teachers genuinely care about their students and consistently encouraged them to persevere through adversity and remain committed to achieving their goals despite increasing challenges,” she said.

The students’ resilience was reflected not only in their exam performance but also in their high school placements, which included Manning’s School, Rusea’s High, Belmont Academy, Hampton, Frome Technical High, Munro College, Knockalva Technical High, Rhodes Hall High, and Petersfield High schools.

Jones-Kentish said the results demonstrated what can be achieved through determination and teamwork.

“Today, we are grateful to see the fruits of those efforts reflected in our students’ outstanding performance. These results are a testament to the resilience, dedication, and perseverance of our students, teachers, parents, and the wider school community,” she said.

Board Chairman Vanessa Moore described the results as a powerful symbol of hope and recovery following one of the most difficult periods in the school’s history.

“The outstanding performance of our students on this year’s PEP examinations is a remarkable testament to their resilience, the unwavering dedication of our teachers, and the steadfast support of their parents,” Moore told the
Observer.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, Mount Airy Primary lost seven classrooms. The school was forced to move from a full school day to a rotation system and later to a shift system as teachers worked to provide consistent learning opportunities for students.

“Despite these extraordinary challenges, our students remained focused and determined. Their success is a powerful reminder that resilience, hard work, and a committed school community can overcome even the greatest obstacles. After everything our school community endured, these results represent far more than academic achievement. They are proof that determination, hope, and perseverance can triumph over adversity. I could not be prouder of every student who represented Mount Airy Primary with excellence,” the board chairman shared.