( L - R ) Mcfarlane, Ainsworth

FALMOUTH, Trelawny:

As the world continues to heap praise on William Knibb Memorial High alumnus, Usain Bolt, waves are being created in academia as two of its students aced the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate examinations, both getting eight distinctions.

The Trelawny star students are head boy Lerone Ainsworth and prefect Sandra Lee McFarlane. Ainsworth's eight distinc-tions are in English language, mathematics, biology, chemistry, geo-graphy, human and social biology, physics and social studies. He was awarded an ordinary pass in Spanish.

McFarlane has similar distinction subjects, except for physics and geography. Instead, she got top marks in literature and information technology. Her credit is in information technology.

The two have been in a ding-dong battle since grade seven. They have not fallen below first and second positions throughout their entire school life, with Ainsworth marginally having more first placings.

Studying likea hobby

Ainsworth said studying has not been a drag; for him, it's almost like a hobby. The teenager said his jovial personality often caused persons to question his ability to be a top achiever.

He shares the same birthday as Bolt and is 17 years old. He hopes to attend Montego Bay Community College and is currently studying pre-university sciences. He has not yet defined a career path.

"I am hoping to do something in science, but I am toying with various thoughts, which is one of the reasons for attending community college because on completion I should (by then) fully decide what I want to do."

In his spare time, Ainsworth said he enjoys tinkering with the computer and is regarded as a highly proficient technician by relatives and friends whose systems he has repaired. The six-foot sports buff also likes to shoot hoops, as well as play football and cycle.

He is the child of Dorset and Peter Ainsworth, with two siblings, Peter Jr and Nick. Interestingly, Peter, who has just completed a master's degree, is also a former head boy of William Knibb. Ainsworth worships at Falmouth United Church.

Medicine in sight

McFarlane has set her sights on being a medical doctor. She has gone straight into Northern Caribbean University, but is still doing a pre-med course. She credits time management as being critical to her success. She lists her hobbies as singing and surfing the Web.

She is the child of Euphemia and Robert McFarlane and has one brother, Robert Jr. She is a member of Bounty Hall Seventh-day Adventist Church.

richard.morais@gleanerjm.com