Daniel Ram is the first student of Queen’s College to secure passes in 14 subjects at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) at one sitting in the history of the school.

Whether he is the top student for this year will not be known until tomorrow, when the Ministry of Education announces the names of the top students.

QC Principal, Wendell Roberts, however, told Stabroek News that Ram was the first and only student at the school to have obtained 14 passes at one sitting.

Other outstanding students of his school are: Dev Persaud with ten Grade Ones and three Twos; Aliya Bulkan, eight Grade Ones and three Twos; Ravi Homenauth, eight Grade Ones and two Twos; and Roger Sawh, eight Grade Ones and one Two.

Gina Arjoon of School of the Nations also obtained eight Grade Ones.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Ganga Persaud on Friday told Stabroek News that the results would be made available to the media tomorrow.

It is also expected that a list of students obtaining over five Grade Ones will be published. Ram of Lusignan, East Coast Demerara obtained Grade One passes in Biology, Caribbean History, Chemistry, English A, English B, Mathematics, Social Studies, Physics, Spanish and Agriculture Science (double award). He secured Grade Two passes in French, Music and Information Technology.

Daniel, the son of Dr Chatterpaul Ram, a dentist and pastor of the Lusignan Baptist Church and Ruth Ram, a doctor at the Gum Clinic, had accomplished a similar feat five years ago when he took seventh spot in the country at the SSEE examinations.

Speaking with Stabroek News yesterday, Daniel said his intentions were primarily to pass every subject with excellent grades. He said that though he had hopes of doing well he did not set out to re-write the history books. He noted that during his first year of secondary school he was time-tabled for 14 subjects, all of which were mandatory.

He said he had no trouble coping with the subjects so he decided to sit 14 at one time. He pointed out that if he was capable of dealing with the loaded syllabus then he was competent to deal with them later in his school life.

Daniel, who celebrated his birthday last Thursday, disclosed that he hardly studied for the examinations. He said he spent most of his time listening attentively during his lessons and found that it spared him the trouble of studying in excess.

He noted that he did however devote his attention to the School Based Assessments (SBAs).

Daniel said he had hopes of a better grade in French but was appreciative of his Grade 2. The young man disclosed that he spent some of his earlier years in Colombia.

A passionate lover of music and a skilled piano player, Daniel said he was in his fifth year of music at the Royal School of Music but took time out to focus on his examinations. He said he also loved sports and would often spend hours playing chess, football, cricket and indoor games.

Daniel described himself as “an ordinary person who is complicated but interesting.” He said God and his family were his pillars. According to him his success is just one of the many wonders the Lord had worked in his life. He plans to write the GCE examinations at Queen’s College.

Daniel’s father Dr Chatterpaul told Stabroek News life had never been a challenge to his boy. He said the boy dared to try everything he possibly could and had been rewarded for his endurance.

The proud father said Daniel would often give 100 per cent in academics, sports, music and every other thing he tried. He pointed out that though bent on success Daniel found time to relax in the company of friends, spend quiet time with his family, be an active church member and enjoy countless other activities.

Daniel’s mother, Ruth said she was proud of him with or without his success. She said the boy had a positive mentality and outlook on life, and often go the extra mile.