Leah Verna Dodds has topped the 2014 Cambridge A Level Exam and has been named the 2014 Island Scholar.
That information was revealed on Tuesday at a press conference held at the conference room of the Windsor Park Stadium.
Other top scholars were Shania John in second place and Obe Joseph in third place.
Dodds, a former student of the Convent High School, obtained three grade A’s in Biology, Chemistry and General Paper and a C in Mathematics.
Shania John obtained two grade B’s in Economics and Business Studies B and an A in General Paper A, while Obe Joseph obtained a grade A in General Paper, B in Physics and two C’s in Biology and Mathematics.
“I do feel honored in your presence,” Dodds said. “Today I can stand here and proudly say that all my thanks and praise belongs to Jesus Christ my Lord and personal savior. He is the one who encourages me, he is the one who is there with me at nights when everyone are in their beds sleeping. He is the one who encourages me with his word…for giving me the brain and skills and the motivation to be here today.”
She also gave thanks to her parents. “They have been there, they have been my support group, my mother’s prayers, my father’s prayers. They would always encourage me to do my best,” she said.
Speaking at the press conference, education minister, Petter Saint Jean, said the government of Dominica believes that every student should maximize all available opportunities to enhance his or her educational or academic goals.
“It is in keeping with this vision that we uphold the laws which deal with the award of the island scholar,” St Jean said. “We feel a sense of immense pride at the achievement of our Dominican students who continue to excel at both national and external examinations.”
He expressed congratulations to the students who have performed exceptionally this year.
Saint Jean encouraged the students to take advantage of opportunities presented to them.
“As more and more doors are opened to you…this is simple the beginning of a new and exciting phase of your life,” he stated. “You are indeed shining examples to our students who must be told of the importance of hard work and determination and the direct co-relation to success. This to my mind is an outstanding achievement, you have worked hard for this moment and I can only wish you the best as you move to build a brighter future for yourself and your families.”
The minister thanked the teachers who assisted the students as they prepared for the examination.
Coordinator of the A level Support Program at the Dominica State College (DSC), Henry Volney, said the A Level is more comprehensive than the Associate’s Degree.
“Some might even say that it is too comprehensive,” Volney said. “Because certainly when our A Level students go, particularly to North America, you would swear that they could become the lecturer themselves because even the lecturers will wonder where these students came from with the standard of their knowledge.”
According to him, Dominica recorded a 76 per cent pass rate in the A Level examination this year. “That does not include the private candidates with whom we had no contact,” he noted.
This year 42 students wrote the A Level Exams.
Congratulations to all three A level Top Scholars! May the Almighty continue to guide your paths and open doors of vast experiences and opportunities before you. Continue to be true to yourselves and know that the entire Dominica supports your efforts and hard work. We are proud of you…again, CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
“It is in keeping with this vision that we uphold the laws which deal with the award of the island scholar,” St Jean said. “We feel a sense of immense pride at the achievement of our Dominican students who continue to exile at both national and external examinations.”
Congratulations and well done to all the young ladies!
Congratulations to all the young ladies to God be the glory great things he has done. I hope that the miss Joseph and miss John receive full support from the government of Dominica to pursue their future studies as a result of their extremely hard work
Congrats ladies especially to my dear cousin Obe Joseph. You made us proud. Keep striving the sky is the limit.
Good morning
To leah dodds, Obe Joseph and Shania John hard work pays off. you all have toil hard and are enjoying the result. well done am proud of u all .Obe keep it up
What’s going on with our young brothers? Do they need more encouragement in the classrooms? Are the parents encouraging them to study? At one time boys used to lead the way in that field but now it’s in the reverse. We need to send a message to them and stand behind them in a positive manner.
I do congratulate the young sisters for their accomplishments and I trust that they continue to excel in their studies.
ONE LOVE.
Congratulations, all CHS students. Journey on!!!
Miss Dodds, you have the potential to become a medical doctor; I wish you had accomplished a better than C, in Chemistry. Be that as it may, chemistry is not the easiest of the sciences. I have been there I did that. As a result of failing Organic Chemistry three times at university level, that prevented me from becoming a practicing medical doctor.
In any event I had General Chemistry, at university level, and although I secured a grad B, that was not enough, since the requirement was eight units of Chemistry, I could only muster four units, out of general chemistry.
You are still very young, and in the event you would like to pursue a career in medicine perhaps you should continue to concentrate on chemistry a little bit more. Try some calculus also as that’s an essential discipline where it pertains to medicine.
Just a thought!
Congratulations to you, and the other two very academically smart young ladies.
Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
Mr. Dodds, was it too hard to just say congratulations. Sometimes, that’s all we need to say.
Ay Francisco sa la. Each time I see your name attached to a comment a smile comes across my face because I know there is a laugh in there somewhere. Thanks for the comedy. I needed that after a hard day’s work.
She did not get a C in Chemistry. She got an A in Chemistry and a C in Maths. The media made this mistake.
Okay, thanks for the correction, I am happy for her, and wish here all the best in whatever career she chose; I wish she would consider the health science profession so there will be a Dodds MD. There is already a lawyer in the Klan, Dodds by mother, Edwards by father, she is the niece of me cousin; Her Majesty Gloria Dodds Shillingford!
Then I hear we have old man Dr. Evance Dodds, I suppose he simply have a PhD in something, he has a couple of sons so smart I think they crazy like me, the older one wrote a very successful book, their uncle Cyrus was a very successful School Principle the same as Gloria. Lawyer, practices somewhere in the United States, I know where but I doh talking eh.
Oh, and do not forget me electrical/electronic engineer, turn medical student, after showing great proficiency in medicine, failed and drop out oui.
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahaahah!
Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
Francisco
I am disappointed that you have inadvertently minimised what us effectively a great avhievement.
Miss Dodds
Huge congratulations to you and the rest of the successful students. To quote Oprah Winfrey “Gratitude can transform any situation. It alters your vibration, moving you from negative energy to positive. It’s the quickest, easiest, most powerful way to affect change in your life”
I am sure that you will continue to excel as you have already expressed your profound gratitude to the those have been your support system.
I am very proud of you and your achievements. Onwards and upwards.
I do not understand why you think that I intentionally play down, or underestimate the potential, ability, and her great achievements. I recognized her potential, and zeroed in on it. As I said she has the background to enter the field of Health Science.
Her graduating subjects are actually prerequisites for anyone who may wish to pursue a medical career, and as I said those are not the easiest of the sciences; again I reiterate that I wish she had accomplish better than a “C” in Chemistry, and that is not a put down!
The fact is Chemistry is not an easy disciplining. Again I iterate I have been there, and done that! What would it benefit me to minimize (minimise) the lady achievement. You need to note with a name such as Dodds, I am compelled to appreciate her, and if I may say I am very happy for her, although I do not know her in person; never met her.
Now Just incase the information I got yesterday is correct, she might be the granddaughter of one of my late uncles, possible Titus Dodds, if that is the case her father might be the guy who works for a company formally known as Texaco. So you see you have miscalculated my motive.
I am from the Dods Klan, my late mother maiden name just happens to be Dods, that made her the aunt of someone all of Dominica knows, her name is Her Majesty Minister of everything, Gloria Dodds Shillingford She is also the aunt of the Methodist Minister Vance Dodds, and all of the other very smart Dods boys, and girls, okay.
So, note I am not minimizing this brilliant lady I have every reason to be happy for her. And by the way yours truly; even if I have chosen to use one “d” in my name I am still a Dodds, I am also Alfred, and Linton, not forgetting the great, great, name Telemaque Okay.
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaahahahaha. have a nice day
Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
Francisco will never miss an opportunity to tell of his greatest achievements. I agree with you, Franco. After all, you gave it your best shot.
Blow, Franco, Blow! Toot that horn and tear the heavens asunder with a mighty blast of air. Go tell it on the mountains, over hills and everywhere… LOL
@ Francisco Telemaque .
Hello and good morning my people. Well Mr Telemaque you take pleasure in saying negative things about our people but this isn’t about you rather it’s about the graduates and their achievements. Sir if you are such an accomplished person why are you still working in California where you are a Super of a building. At this stage you should have secured a pensions or a hefty 401K retirement plan. Also you know that she is related to you and I know that for sure.
Tony, ask Bill Gates, Warring Buffet, Donald Trump, Oprah and all the other billionaires you hear about in America why do they continue to work! If they refuse to give you an answer, answer the question for yourself.
For your information sir, I am sure I make more money than you when I am asleep, than you who have to strike a time clock to earn a living, and perhaps have to stand in the welfare line for your survival; I work for myself, nobody can fire me okay, until you can say the same do not worry about why am I still working.
Hint I work to enjoy a lifestyle which you cannot afford. As long as God life is in me, to the day I die, I will conduct my business. If you need a janitor’s job, pay your way to Los Angeles, perhaps I might give you a job to clean my courts, and empty the tenants trash bins.
You see hat you get for interfering with me? I hope you will recognized how stupid a question you ask me.
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!
Don’t start any, there wont be any!
Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
The Abraham family of Woodford Hill join with all well wishers, particularly your pareents, siblings and family in Dominica and world wide and say collectively: “TO GOD BE THE GLORY GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE. We are gratified that you had the presence of mind to give the glory to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ for all He has and will continue to do on your behalf. We pray that as you move in the world of education and scholarly pursuit that you remain focused never forgetting from whence you came abd remembering always whose you are. “The Child of A King”. As a princess you shall not lack, the favour of God is on your life and you will soar.
Once again congratulations and God speed. You may be too young to know this adage that was taught to school children of the seventies, however, I am sure your Dad will be able to explain this to you. It reads thus: “The heights by great men reached and kept were not attained in sudden flight but, they while their companions slept, they were toiling upwards in the night.” (Source Henry Wadsworth Longfellow) In all your seeking, seek understanding and never forget the Word of God which is a light unto your feet and a lamp unto your pathway. Congrats again and we remain pregnant with pride.
Proverbs 3:5
5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.
Congratulations to the top 3 students. Special congratulations to you Obe. I’m very proud of you. Great job!
Congrats Shani……………beauty + Brains!
All girls? Congratulations girls but COME ON FELLAS!!!!
Congrats ladies. But where are our young men?
Our young are too busy watching pornography…..
Speak about your own, dont put the rest of us in the same brackets as those in your family.
Hello and good afternoon my people. I want to congratulate all the graduates with a special emphasis on the high grade earners.
I am happy for you all girls. EFFORT DOES CONQUER ALL. Stay focused and keep at it. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!
Which secondary school did Shani and Obe attended
They all attended the Convent High School.
Congratulations to all of you. Continue to strive for greater things.
Congratulations to all of these ladies… all former students of the Convent High School. To God be the glory!
To God be the glory indeed and in so being let us congratulate the teachers of this fine school. For instilling in our girls so much pride and love and care. At convent they are the best. Thank you so much teachers. We love you all, God loves you all and our girls are the branches to the strong stem that you all provide for them every day. Thank you teachers.
A current mom.
Congratulations to you young ladies. Continue to strive for the best. Young men are going the wrong way so you are the hope for our future.
Such good news and only 11 comments!!! Well well well i bet u if it was politics or a beff there would be tons of comments come on people lets give these young people the encouragements t hat they deserve lets show them that we care and we appreciate their efforts.
Congratulations young ladies on your achievement!
But Ms. Dodds it is not “everyone are” it is “everyone is”. I do not know why DNO did not correct it for you. It was nervousness on your part I am sure.
Congratulation young ladies…… I hope the authorities will now reconsider their decision not to make the A’ Levels a separate track at the DSC. They could have all gotten all A’s if not forced to take the Associate Degree at the same time. Time for the A’ Level to step out of its present after thought status back to its old glory days…..
If you ask me i see A levels as a waste of time….A levels is not college..only usegul in England….most stdents in dca don t go to England and study anymore
very good job to all,and thank you for letting the world know our lord jesus is worthy of all praise.god is good indeed
Congrats to you beautiful young ladies – what a great achievement. May the Lord continue to bless all of you as you pursue your life journey. You ladies are truely a role model to the others out there to do their best too. And just remember no one can to your education away from you.
Well done Ladies… Keep up the good work.. Support and encourage other young persons like yourselves… Keep positive and stay blessed..
congratulations to all! continue to have God in your life Ms. continue to strive for the best !
Ms. Dodds….
Hearty congratulations to the island scholar and the two other young ladies.
My fervent hope is that Obe and Shania will get some assistance to pursue studies, rather than the 2015 Carnival Queen for parading herself around a stage.
I say Brains Before Beauty.
Are you suggesting that our Miss Dominica 2014 and previous Miss Dominica’s are not intelligent? Umm… Most of them are thriving career women or pursuing very difficult degrees. For instance, Miss Lando and Miss Walters are pursuing law degrees. I agree that the two other young ladies should be given assistance. However, no need to bring down other young people.
Would be nice to compare all their grades!
You so don’t follow the happenings in the country for your information they all get assistance Island scholar or not. OKAY i DO NOT PARADE MYSELF FOR A SCHOLARHSIP AND THERE WAS SURELY BRAINS BEFORE BEAUTY OKAY
Sure seems like a nerve was struck!
Hearty congratulations to Miss Dodds Miss John and Miss Joseph and all the other successful A’Level students.Very well done.These are some on the hardest exams you will do (even at University level). Let me just express a little concern that there are no boys in this top three. Though I hope this is not a trend of under performance by our boys … I am a bit concerned .
well done girls God bless you all keep on doing the good work make your all familys and friends very happy I don’t know you all but am a Dominican and very happy for a job well done by you all I want to say thanks GOD BLESS on love to all
Just an observation. why is it that when these positive breaking news hits dno the masses never comment but when ever its gossip and bad news everyone comments. A BIG CONGRATULATION GOES OUT TO THESE WONDERFUL FUTURE LEADERS OF THIS BEAUTIFUL ISLAND
Well done students especially to you Leah. Continue to trust in the Lord and acknowledge him in all your ways and he will NOT fail you
Congratulations and good luck to all ! The sky is the limit. nothing beats a good education.
CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU LEAH. You have been in my family’s prayers ever since you and my daughter Philadelphia (Dely) became friends and Kayla also. You were always a source of encouragement to Dely. You all mutually supported each other.
I am particularly proud of your achievements and that you and you put God first. I also pray that all children will have fervently, God-fearing Parents to Guide, support, encourage and applaud and reward them.
CONGRATS to Mr. & Mrs. Dodds and your siblings!!
Reach for the Universe and you’ll will reap stellar successes. Keep the momentum of study and look to a career that is personally rewarding and fulfilling and one that will ensure maximum realization of service to God and humanity.
We are just beginning to hear of your successes. God bless you Leah !! CONGRATS.
Congrats also to the other top performers. Obe Joseph and Shania John. Your diligent and persistent work has paid off and you are now on to a new path to further knowledge and enlightenment. This is the cream of Dominica’s emerging intellectuals. To the other students who Succeeded but not featured in the article by virtue of space or otherwise, congrats to you too.
To those who did not do too well please don’t give up. Persist until you succeed.
And CONGRATS to Mr. Henry Volney who have shaped students for as long as I can remember ( I saw him first at SMA in 1978). CONGRATS to all.
Congratulations my dear sister in Christ. You have made it and in grand style. May you continue to serve God the heavenly father with distinction as you now do. He is the author and finisher of our faith. I know for a fact that you already have relationship with him. Please follow where he leads . Take him at his word. Amen. May God continue to shower you with blessings. Congratulations are in order. PRAISE THE LORD. Amen.
Very good!! keep it up!!
I add my thanks to Our Father in Heaven, thru His Son Jesus Christ that their are still young people in this day and age who know and love Him.
Those who see their lives and all its elements as a gift to be used for His glory. That the accomplishments are solely to his credit.
I bless you Father and Son and ask that you protect your daughter, you provide for her and you promote her in the name of the Holy Trinity. Amen and Amen.
Where are the boys??? It is goo dto see that it is not only the Sc.tl.ands and Ha.r..s etc who can attain these otstanding grades but ordinary sons and daughters of the soil.