Marajh said his mother, Dandai Hardeo, acting principal of the Las Lomas Government Primary School and a single parent, was his mentor.
"She was my total source of inspiration and dedication. She guided me and showed me the way to success. I am blessed also to have lots of loving extended family, especially my maternal grandmother, around as well."
He studied Economics, Business Studies, Sociology and General Paper.
Although he gained distinctions in CXC, Marajh said he never took on much studies at that stage.
"It's only when I started to do A-Levels that a new side of the world opened up to me. A-Levels really prepared me for life."
For A-Levels, he studied eight hours each night.
He said: "I did it with a cup of coffee, a lot of perspiration and more dedication."
Marajh, an only child, said life with only a mother "has taught me the virtues of sacrifice and struggles. My mother brought me up in the proper way, and she was very stern."
Marajh is now pursuing studies in law and intends to specialise in corporate law. He has been influenced by the lives of Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela.
People talk about luck, but Marajh is not so naive. He strongly believes that "luck is what you make of preparation and opportunity. When you prepare yourself, only then can you grasp opportunities. So we create our own luck."
Mohan, 18, placed seventh in the world in GCE Sociology. She attributed her success to discipline and planning.
"Without a plan, and God's help, I would not have reached my goal. I never gave up when studies became challenging. I made a plan on how and when I should study and I stuck to my plans."
Daughter of Geeta and Prakash Mohan, she is pursing a degree in Economics at the University of the West Indies. She likes to read from 3 a.m. to 7 a.m.
Teachers said Mohan was assigned to the institute by the Ministry of Education in 2004 to pursue A-Level studies. She scored straight As in Business Studies, Economics and Sociology.
School official Savita Ramlal said during Mohan's two-year stay, she was honoured as one of the school's top pupils for her academic performance.
"She was an outstanding pupil who displayed true school spirit, as she actively participated in all school activities, which she successfully balanced with her studies," Ramlal said.
Kimerly Hardoo, 18, of Cunupia, who won a scholarship in Business Studies, is now pursuing a degree in law and accounting at the College of Legal Studies in Chaguanas. She gained her GCE passes in Business Studies, Economic, Accounts and General Paper.
Hardoo worked towards achieving a scholarship, otherwise it would have been difficult for her to pursue her dream career. Her mother, Leela, is a seamstress and her father works at Coosal's contractors. She studied mainly from midnight or 1 a.m. For relaxation, she plays pool and "limes" with her friends.
Dominic Nelson ???
