Bookseller’s son and hardware worker’s daughter win President’s Medals

  • Dec, Fri, 2024

RADHICA DE SILVA

Senior Multimedia Reporter

radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt

The children of a bookseller and a hardware worker have achieved the highest academic honour in the country, earning President’s Medals for their exceptional performance in the 2024 Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE).

Teddy Mohammed, a first-year medical student, and Alicia Dipchan, who hopes to study international business, credited their success to hard work, sacrifices, and the support of their families.

Speaking about her journey shortly after the announcement, Dipchan said the award marked the culmination of years of dedication.

Raised by her grandmother Anna, Dipchan said her passion for subjects like Spanish, French and Geography made studying an enjoyable experience.

“I didn’t see it as studying. It was about exploring my passion and diving deeper into it academically. It never felt like a burden,” she said.

Expressing joy at the help she received from her grandmother, Dipchan said: “My grandmother always taught me to do my best, not to be better than anyone else but to give my best effort.

“She made countless sacrifices to support me, ensuring I could pursue my education. She was the one picking me up and dropping me off in primary and secondary school.”

She said her close-knit household, which includes her father Ricardo Dipchan, a hardware driver, and her uncles, displayed the strong work ethic which inspired her to succeed.

“This scholarship opens opportunities I couldn’t have otherwise imagined, especially for studying abroad where tuition costs are high,” she added.

Mohammed also praised his family for their support and highlighted the importance of balance, emphasising that academic pursuits should never come at the expense of mental or physical well-being.

“Studying is not easy and not everyone likes to study. It is not the easiest thing to do when you can go out with your family or lime with your friends,” he said.

Mohammed said he wrote poems to destress, adding: “I do a lot of cardio in the gym and I picked up swimming as well. I made time for family and friends to maintain balance.”

His father Teddy Mohammed Sr underscored the importance of family love and unity.

“We’ve always been a supportive unit, and that encouragement made all the difference,” he said.

Mohammed said he and his wife Deanne, who are involved in charity initiatives, imparted strong values to his children.

“God knows best and what we do, the children always benefit. They got guidance from the good Lord and they achieved the best they could,” he said.

Mohammed said his daughter Ameerah is also an honour student studying at Cave Hill in Barbados.

Yesterday, the Ministry of Education announced that 100 national scholarships were awarded this year, including 38 open scholarships and 62 additional scholarships. (See full list below)

Education Ministers Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly and Lisa Morris-Julian commended the scholars for their perseverance and dedication and applauded their families and schools for fostering environments that encouraged success.

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