Recently, I took it upon myself to ask various teachers about students who stand out in the classroom. Of course, many names were given, but there were two young ladies that incessantly stuck out. Krystie and Krystal Webster, twin daughters of Zulma Webster from the Labour Department and all three residents of Long Road, are this week’s topic of praise. The twins are most famous because of the manner in which they excel in the classroom, but in my opinion, the responsibility shown by these two in being able to juggle so many activities at once is most impressive.

I was able to ask the twins various questions about their interests, hobbies, goals, and other information essential to understanding what they do. I will begin with Krystal by mentioning that she likes to paint, draw, listen to music and play tennis. She also expressed that her favourite subject in school is English and she further explained that this was because she has a great teacher who has an innate ability to convey information well to all students. Mrs. Amander Hodge is not only just her English teacher, but the one teacher who has influenced her most to do extremely well in her academic studies. Upon graduation from the ALHCS, Krystal plans to be an architect. Krystal also has a keen interest in music and tennis outside the classroom. Her music teacher Mr. Lennox Vanterpool is influential in this success and the staff of the Anguilla Tennis Academy has helped Krystal to be one of the top female tennis players in Anguilla. She is also involved in the Junior Optimist Octagon International Club, the high school band and the Graphic Audio Visual Association. I incidentally asked her if she had any advice to students who wish to improve their classroom performance and she said, “[t]o students who wish to do well in school, I would clearly say that you should be head strong, focus on your studies, don’t keep bad company, try to be involved in school clubs and have respect for everyone, and obey your parents.”

Although Krystie and Krystal look identical, they have different interests. Krystie enjoys playing football, participating in track and field, playing the saxophone, writing essays and speeches, travelling, drawing, talking and photography. She loves a challenge, and this is why her favourite subject in school is technical drawing. According to her, “it helps to bring out my talent.” Upon graduation, she plans to go to sixth form or even study abroad. She is quite ambitious with the notion of becoming a construction engineer and wants to be Anguilla’s first female in this capacity. The fact that she expressed to me that she never gives up or never thinks negative leads me to believe that she will most certainly accomplish this goal. Her favourite teachers are Mr. Brandon and Ms. Hazel. Although they are just homeroom teachers, they believe in her and provide the external confidence she needs to continue to believe in herself. She spoke adamantly about these two and it is important that they know how much of a positive influence they are on her life. Krystie also shines on the football field as a member of the Female Football National Team. She is the president of the Junior Optimist Club, vice captain of the football team “Gazelles F.C.”, a member of the School Concert Band, an annual leader in Camp Be Aware, and she also participates in the ALHCS jump rope club. She too had some words of wisdom for others, “[i]f I had to say something to a student who wishes to do well in school, it would be: No matter what people say, keep striving for the top. As John Wooden said, ‘be more concerned with your character than with your reputation because your character is what you really are while your reputation is what others think you are’, and no matter what you do, think positively and not negatively because being positive will help you achieve great things.”

I am quite impressed with these two for various reasons. Yet, the one that stands out the most is that they are both goal setters. It is important for youth today to set goals, both long term and short term. I have learned as a student and a teacher that setting goals and accomplishing them can give one a confidence that is imperative to becoming a successful person. I commend Krystie and Krystal for working hard and being positive. You are an inspiration to everyone including fellow students, adults and government. I also commend Zulma for her undying devotion to her daughters as we all know that children cannot achieve unless there is a support base at home.

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