Hard work, dedication and faith are the ingredients that led to success for Chad Spencer, student of Clan Carthy High School, in the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) school essay competition.

Spencer emerged the champion of the 50 competitors, ranging from ages 12 to 19. The 14-year-old entered the under-15 category, which topped all groups, while Khalia Malcolm took first place for the under-12s and Russell Thomas for the under-19s.

Spencer said he was elated at topping the competition and that it was a moment he would always remember.

"It took a lot but I put my mind to it because that's what I wanted so I knew I had to do it," he said.

"I knew I would make it because I prayed about it."

He further stated that, at first sight, the topic seemed challenging but, after careful analysis, he realised it was within his scope.

The little scholar said his passion does not lie in writing but he will do it if he has to.

Kevin Sewell, the Clan Carthy teacher who supervised Spencer, said the topic 'Working Together to Build a Safer Community' gave the youngsters the opportunity to give their thoughts on crime and violence in the society.

"It's a very exciting competition because it (pushed) young people to express themselves about the safety in their communities and they were also given the opportunity to give suggestions about how they think crime can be controlled in society," he explained.

Sewell said Spencer's attitude was excellent throughout the period they had to complete the essay.

"He was organised in putting the information together. He knew what his points were that he wanted to highlight and he also knew how he wanted to structure the essay."

Speaking during the essay competition ceremony, held at the Police Officers' Club on Tuesday, Courtney Lodge, vice president of distribution at Victoria Mutual Building Society, encouraged the students present, from several schools across the island, to have a dream.

He said that, if they failed to do so, they could not be successful.

"Winning starts and ends in your mind and, if you can dream it, you can achieve it, but if you don't have a dream you can't have a dream come true."

nadisha.hunter@gleanerjm.com