KINGSTON,  Jamaica — At 12 years old, Sutay Kameka, a bright and determined 2025 JN Foundation PEP scholar, has her eyes firmly set on becoming a mathematician.

Her love for numbers, combined with discipline and support from her mother, has already set her apart as one to watch.

The young scholar was among 14 students awarded scholarships by the JN Foundation after doing exceptionally well in the Primary Exit Profile (PEP).

Sutay, who received the parish scholarship for St Thomas with an overall PEP score of 363.6, said the scholarship is a gift she describes as both exciting and life-changing.

“I was very excited, to be honest. I was very thankful,” she said, her voice filled with both gratitude and determination.

The award will ease the financial strain on her mother while ensuring she has the resources to excel academically.

“It will help my mom with, like, the books and stuff because I’m studying a lot of subjects… and it will help me pursue my dream of becoming a mathematician,” she explained.

Her results in the PEP examinations reflect her passion and natural talent. She scored an impressive 345 in mathematics, securing the Top in Math Award at her school. She also received top scores in social studies and the ability test, with a 97th percentile ranking.

Her placement at Ardenne High School in St Andrew was no accident. She was drawn to the school for its reputation, environment, and the fact that her close friend is already enrolled there.

“Honestly, I like it there, and my close friend goes there… I was fascinated with the school’s motto ‘with God as guide, seek the best’,” she said.

Like many children preparing for PEP, she admitted the workload was her biggest challenge.

“There’s too much to study,” she laughed, before quickly offering advice to students preparing for next year’s exams. “Just focus. Relax your brain and focus while the teacher is teaching.”

Her mother, Kemisha Ferron, a firefighter who raised her daughter on her own, shared how much this achievement means for their small family.

“It has been an uphill struggle, but I ensure that her educational needs are met,” she stressed.

For her, the scholarship is more than financial support; it is recognition of her daughter’s determination. “I know for sure it will mark her, as it rewards her hard work. She will have something to look back at and say, ‘Yes man, this is why I have to keep going.’ It will make a tremendous, positive change knowing that others see her, not just me as her mom,” she said proudly.

Ferron recalled her daughter’s early promise, starting school at just one year and seven months at Aunty Pauline Childcare Centre.

Since then, she has consistently excelled, always topping her class, becoming head girl at Yallahs Primary, and even competing in reading competitions with the Jamaica Library Service, where she placed second. “She’s the student that doesn’t back down from any challenge,” her mother said. “Up until today, I’ve not seen her lose that zeal.”

Outside the classroom, the young scholar enjoys crocheting, netball, and volleyball. A self-taught crocheter, she often turns to the Internet to improve her craft. “It’s entertaining and relaxing,” she explained.

While most children her age may still be exploring what they want to do, she is already firm about her path. “I love maths, and I’ve always had a passion for it. I realised when I was younger, I used to always have high grades in maths, and I used to always love it. So, I just wanted to become a mathematician to pursue my dream.”

For her mother, education is the foundation of opportunity and character. “It starts from the get-go, from when the child can hold a pencil. Education paves the way for them to see a better life,” she said.

According to Claudine Allen, general manager of the JN Foundation, supporting young achievers like Sutay is central to their mission.

“We believe that every child, regardless of background, deserves the opportunity to pursue their dreams. This scholarship is not just about easing financial burdens—it’s about empowering students to excel and inspiring them to reach their full potential,” she said.

Since its launch in 1983, the JN Scholarship Programme has provided financial support to hundreds of students, enabling them to pursue their secondary education.