Academic Excellence: Oriana Takes First Place

​Since she started school, 6th grader Oriana has always been both bright and dedicated. In November 2017, her academic strength was tested and proven when she competed in a department wide contest and won first place in her age group. The contest was hosted by Plan, an organization that funds a variety of community projects in Haiti.

“Plan decided to put on this contest in order to encourage the many hard working students in our area,” said assistant principal Mr. Tranquilus. “Oriana does excellent work, so we sent her to compete and represent our school.”

In order to participate, students need a minimum average of 8/10 for the previous academic year, and to be nominated by their school.

At 6 o’clock in the morning, Oriana and Micheline, another qualifying student, rode down to Jacmel to take their places in the competition. Micheline’s father dropped them at the hotel where large rooms were arranged with tables and chairs. Students from all over the South-East Department took their seats and completed exams in French, Math, and Creole. Oriana is a confident student, so she wasn’t very worried about competing in the contest. Her trick to keeping up with schoolwork is simple- do homework, revise notes everyday, and make sure to ask questions when something doesn’t make sense. She was told that the exams would cover information that she had already studied the year before.

“I had nothing to lose, so I wasn’t really worried,” said Oriana. “I went in and did my best. I didn’t expect to win anything.”

When the results were announced and she realized she had won, Oriana was surprised. “Half of the test had been easy, but the other half was pretty difficult. When I found out I had won,I was very happy and proud! “ she said with a smile. Her parents laughed and were also amazed by their daughter’s achievement.

BRITE is equally honored to take part in educating strong young minds like Oriana’s.

“We are truly pleased by her achievement, and happy that her hard work has been recognized,” said Mr. Tranquilus. He hopes that in future contests more students from EJSF will be able to participate as well.

Oriana says she wants be a doctor when she grows up. Her dream is influenced greatly by the Medical Fair that BRITE holds each year, and the people who come to serve her community. “The Haitian doctors inspire me, and one day I would like to take care of the sick people in our area,” said Oriana.

We at BRITE are confident that whatever Oriana decides to do with her future, her work-ethic, intelligence, and love for her community will make us all very proud.