South youth tops world in Physics

HE HAS been described as a “very quiet, unassuming person,” while she hails from an area more closely associated with undulating sugarcane fields and perennial flooding, than producing world-class scholars. Yet Dennis Ramdass and Kavita Rampersad, both 18 and from Trinidad’s sugar-belt, were ranked among the top ten students in the world for their respective Advanced Level subjects. Ramdass, a Naparima College student, sat pretty as the number one student in Physics, while Barrackpore Secondary Comprehensive student Rampersad placed eighth in the world in Sociology — a first for her school, which is yet to produce a national scholarship winner. Speaking to Newsday from her Barrackpore home yesterday, an elated Rampersad said the news had initially left her speechless.

“But then, when the news sunk in, I just screamed and screamed. I’m sure the entire village heard me,” a smiling Rampersad said. “For me, just getting three As was enough. To be ranked among the world’s top students was something I thought could only be achieved in my dreams. So when the principal called with the news, I was speechless,” Rampersad said. Rampersad, a devout Hindu, immediately lit a deya and began to pray and give thanks to the Almighty. She said God and her supportive family were the main reasons for her success. Rampersad emerged with As in English Literature, Sociology and General Paper and got a D in Mathematics. Beaming mother Indra Deonarine-Balkaran was ecstatic over her daughter’s achievements and revealed that just before exams, she made a bet with Kavita on what subjects she (Kavita) would pass and the grade type.

“But she did better than I thought she would do. I guess I have some money for her now,” Deonarine-Balkaran said, as a smile broke out. The proud woman said her daughter was the first member of the family to pursue tertiary level studies. Rampersad is expected to begin studies at the University of the West Indies on Monday and will major in Sociology and Psychology. Meanwhile, Dennis Ramdass was said to have been accepted into the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States, and will start studies in computer technology and engineering. Naparima College principal Maureen Atwell said the school was elated at the young man’s success and described Ramdass as a “mild mannered person” with tremendous amounts of natural ability.

According to the official school magazine, Ramdass was described as being “expected to produce exceptional results” and was generally regarded as having “a super-computer for a brain.” Atwell said the school was hoping to have Ramdass attend the graduation ceremony which will be held at Susamachar Presbyterian Church on Coffee Street, San Fernando, on October 2. Meanwhile, other top achievers from South Trinidad included Pleasantville Senior Secondary Comprehensive school student Simone Fortune, Nadine Ramsaroop of Naparima Girls High School, and Holy Faith Convent (Penal) student Sindy Singh.