West Side High students excel in and outside the classroom

Dishon Nundalall and Ayesha Brijlall with Minister of Education, Sonia Parag, during the CSEC preliminary results announcement ceremony

 held in Georgetown in August (West Side High photo)

WEST Side High continues to develop its students in every area of their lives from success at national debating competitions, and cricket achievements to outstanding results at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations.

The school said in press release that the recently released 2026 CSEC preliminary results have given it more reasons to celebrate its students.

According to the release, of the 79 students represented in the school’s results, 60 achieved Grades One to three. The results reflect 96 Grade Ones, 113 Grade Twos and 107 Grade Threes.

“We also achieved an 81.52 per cent pass rate and 100 per cent passes in six subject areas.

Among the standout students were Dishon Nundalall, who achieved 16 Grade Ones and three Grade Twos and was identified as the Best Performing Student in Region 5. He is also one of the country’s top performers.

After his transfer to West Side High, he was promoted from Grade Nine to Grade 11, and his results proved his exceptional academic abilities. Alongside him was Ayesha Brijall, who earned 13 Grade Ones and one Grade Two, securing a spot among the top 10 performers of Region Five,” the release added.

The school noted that beyond the numbers, these results represent the dedication of students, teachers, and families, who worked together throughout the examination period. They are a reflection of perseverance and the determination to aim high, the school said.

Additionally, West Side High’s commitment to student development is evident in debating and public speaking.

The school recently secured third place nationally out of the 57 teams that participated in the Speaker’s National Youth Debating Competition, marking a significant achievement for its young debaters.

West Side High students, Maressa Baksh and Christina Arjoon both secured the Best Speaker award twice in four of their five matches. With the help of their mentor Felisha Mohamed, the West Side High scholars secured a spot in Youth Parliament and successfully established a debating club at the school.

Months of research, preparation and practice helped them to develop their arguments and present them with confidence before judges and audiences. Through this success in the first-year competing, West Side High established a debating club in the hopes of ensuring students can reach their full potential.

The experience goes beyond competition—it strengthens critical thinking, communication and leadership skills that students can carry into their future.

SUCCESS ON THE CRICKET FIELD

On the sporting front, West Side High has also made its mark in cricket. The school captured the West Berbice Zone 7 title in the 2026 Beharry U-19 National Schools T20 Cricket tournament, defeating Bush Lot Secondary by nine wickets.

The victory earned West Side High a place in the national play-off stage. Like debating, cricket provides lessons that extend beyond the activity itself, teaching teamwork, discipline, resilience, and the ability to perform under pressure.

DEVELOPING THE WHOLE STUDENT

These achievements point to a broader vision for West Side High, one in which academic performance, sport, communication, leadership and personal growth are all valued. Every student has different strengths.

Some excel in examinations, others on the cricket field or in the debating chamber, while others may discover their talents in areas yet to be explored. The school’s role is to create opportunities for students to find those strengths and develop them. West Side High is therefore focused on more than producing good examination results.

It is focused on preparing young people to think independently, communicate confidently, work with others and meet challenges with determination.

A PROMISING FUTURE

Still a young school, West Side High, is already building a strong foundation through the achievements of its students. From CXC success to national debating and cricket championships, the message is becoming clear: its students are capable of excelling in more than one arena.

With its focus on the whole student, West Side High is creating a culture where achievement is celebrated in all its forms—and where students are encouraged not simply to participate, but to excel. “Strength in Knowledge. Power in Unity. Excellence in Every Area.”

In a short time, West Side High has built a reputation of excellence that extends beyond the classroom. The school’s accomplishments in academics, debating and sport reflect a clear commitment to developing confident, capable, and well-rounded young people.

The school said that their success is not defined by one examination or one competition. Further, students are encouraged to discover their strengths, challenge themselves and pursue excellence wherever their talents lead.