"I couldn't believe it!'' This was the response of Charlicia Henry when she found out she had been chosen top student from the Spice Valley Middle School.

"My mother always said you don't know who's watching you, just do your best,'' Charlicia recalled.

And that she has.

Charlicia, 13, explained that the award took her by surprise.

"One of the teachers came in class and called me and told me to call The Royal Gazette ,'' she said.

"It's definitely an honour.'' Part of Charlicia's success can be attributed to her attitude about school.

"Every year before school starts I get excited,'' she said.

At the beginning of the year Charlicia decided that she would dedicate herself to her work. And the result has been "so far so good''.

The Spice Valley student stressed that she strives for an A, and her report cards reflect that fact. She has maintained A's or B's throughout the school year.

An area which has helped has been the level of teaching, she added.

Charlicia noted that there are "good teachers at Spice Valley''.

While she said she likes all her classes, she has enjoyed the math class the most.

Charlicia aspires to become an architect.

Because she is interested in the design aspect of building houses, she explained: "I like the process.'' However, she admitted that her school career has not been all smooth sailing.

"In school there have been some hard times,'' Charlicia said. "But you get through it.'' Next year she will attend CedarBridge Academy which she said she is looking forward to doing.

"I'm ready to go,'' she said. "But I'm going to miss Spice Valley.'' Charlicia said she believed one key to her achievement has been her attitude.

"I try to make time for everything,'' she said. "But first thing is homework.'' Her sister, who attends Berkeley Institute, also helps her.

"I use my sister's books to elaborate on things,'' Charlicia explained.

She also noted that her friends often crowd around her to study, possibly using her for inspiration.

"My friends will come and study with me,'' she said.

Charlicia said she looks to her parents for inspiration.

"They are always pushing,'' she said.

They often tell her: "If you keep on trying, good things will come.'' Photo By Arthur Bean Ready to roar: Spice Val ley's top student Charlicia Henry is sad about leaving, but is happy about what the future has in store.