Rajaun beats physical challenges to be PEP star

Twelve-year-old Rajaun Drummonds is living proof that neither hospital bed nor surgery can keep a determined child from beating the odds.

The Greenwich Primary School graduate, who spent much of his final school year battling hip problems and attending weekly hospital visits, walked away as Petrojam's Top Boy for his school in the company's 2025 PEP Awards.

"To be honest, I'm very proud of myself," Rajaun told THE STAR. "My heart melted, I worked so hard and to be rewarded for it feels good."

The road to the top was anything but smooth. As he was preparing for PEP, Rajaun was admitted to the Bustamante Hospital for Children for major surgery.

"I got admitted ... and I did surgery on my hips but the doctors say I'm going to go back another time to do another surgery to replace these screws with larger ones. If I have to stay home, the laptop I got for being top boy will help me because I can do my work through Zoom. I will most likely choose to go to school with a little help," he explained.

He admitted that he doubted himself at times, especially when frequent doctor's appointments kept him out of class.

"A little thing about me is while preparing for PEP, I was very competitive. I would have wanted to be that child with the best attendance, but seeing that I had an appointment almost every Wednesday, I didn't feel so much confidence until I got the award at the graduation," Rajaun said.

But when his name was called at the Petrojam Awards Ceremony, all those doubts melted away.

"Well, I was surprised because I had a little competition. We were always toe to toe so I was unsure," he said, grinning.

His mother, Shanique Williams Morris, was just as emotional when she saw her son being crowned top boy.

"I am, I am proud. I am elated. Knowing Rajaun, I know that he came out on top. Well, he wanted to pass for Campion College, but despite the challenges that he had, to the point where he was being admitted to the Bustamante Hospital for Children, and he had to miss out on some of his studies ... I knew he was going to do well."

Life hasn't been easy for the family. Rajaun spent years living with his grandmother after his parents separated.

"His grandma was the one who would wake up in the mornings, send him off to school and sometimes he doesn't have lunch money. Regardless of that, he always tries to do his best and to excel in whatever areas," his mother said.

"We have an excellent relationship. He is a very understandable person. He understands the situation and why," she added.

Now a proud St George's College student, Rajaun said the scholarship and supplies he received from Petrojam, including a new laptop, calculator, bag, and books, will help him keep pushing forward.

"These things will definitely help me to get a fresh start. I am ready to start a new journey."

Petrojam Board Director Dennis May, speaking at the awards, said students like Rajaun represent hope for Jamaica's future.

"Use your success as an inspiration for others to have continuity in pursuit of academic success," he urged the awardees.

As for Rajaun, who dreams of becoming a software engineer, he also had advice for other children who may encounter setbacks.

"I encourage them to keep on trying because in the end, they might reach somewhere with what they have."