Claudine Iradukunda (MEG) ESSA Ruhengeri. She excelled in Economics and was always among the best students in class but her hobby was not reading books. "I loved playing football and doing house work at home,” she says. Iradukunda aspires to be a banker.Diane Iradukunda (MCB) ESS Musanze. Her secret to success is early preparation. "I started preparing for the exams at the beginning of the year by answering previous question papers,” she says.Patrick Tuyisenge (MCB) ESS Musanze. Speaking from his home district in Rulindo where he is currently doing community service, he attributes his success to hard work and determination. "I always worked hard as much as possible as I prayed for God’s guidance and blessings,” he saidJean Paul Mugisha (PCM) ESS Musanze. He attributes his success to the teachers he describes as ‘vital’ improving his academic performance. "I did my level best, but the teachers did a very excellent job in my academic excellence,” he said with a passion.Pascal Shukuru (MCB) ESS Musanze. He was among the best performers in Biology in the country, but was not satisfied with his overall marks when he received the news yesterday. "I should have done much better, just like the other star students, in the country,” he said.Jean Paul Maniriho (MCB) ESS Musanze. A resident of Karongi district, Maniriho says he always paid attention in class.

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It has been untold joy for the 2012 Senior Six stars since the results were released on Tuesday.

Keren Neza, 19, a former student of Riviera High School, scored straight As in Physics Chemistry and Mathematics. Her pride was unmistakable when she received the news of her excellent performance.

"I checked twice and it was like ‘wow! I made it,’” the ecstatic Neza told The New Times.

Asked whether she had expected the overwhelming results, she stated, "You just do your best and hope for the best.” She attributed her success to hard work and focus on studies.

"We had good teachers and a good library to supplement our lessons,” she said. "My parents were also encouraging.”

Neza wants to pursue a degree in Telecommunications Engineering.

Kwibuka for medicine

Rene Moise Kwibuka, who also scored As in PCB at Groupe Scolaire Officiel de Butare  in Huye district, is looking forward to pursue medicine.

"I have always dreamt of becoming a medical doctor and I believe this is the first step to realising my dreams,” Kwibuka said, attributing his success to four principles he set at school.

"I had to work hard, remain focused and devoted to my studies. I had also to pray,” he said, calling upon students to set targets in their studies. "Having an objective guided me to where I am today. Once you have a target, you do your best to achieve it.”

Mixed feelings for Jessica

For Jessica Laure Bonumwezi, emerging the best girl in the country is both exciting and sad.

"It is exhilarating that I passed that highly, who wouldn’t be happy? But it is a sad affair that only one girl managed to excel in the Top 10. Girls can do anything as well, or even better, than boys,” the 18-year-old said.

Bonumwezi, who was named fourth best, scored As in Mathematics Chemistry and Biology. The last born in a family of five girls attributes her success to hard work and the constant attention from her parents.

"I read hard because I had a goal in mind - to excel. The secret is to know your strengths and weaknesses. If you polish on your strengths and work on your weaknesses, then you pass,” the former IFAK student said.

She said the fact that her older sister won a presidential scholarship also spurred her.

Passion factored in for Martinez

Toni Martinez, 19, a former Riviera High School student, emerged the second-best in Biology countrywide. He says the secret was in doing a subject that he loves. 

"Regardless of how much revision you put in, you stand higher chances of passing if you have a passion for what you are undertaking!” she said.

"I have always wanted to be a doctor. I loved science in primary and in secondary; biology was the subject I paid attention to most. My favourite teacher, Celestine, was the best biology teacher ever; unfortunately she passed on two months before we sat for exams. I felt I owed it to her to put in a lot of effort and excel,” she said.

"My dad is a medical doctor, I hope one day to be as good as he is. I look up to him. For daily matters, however, my mom helped the most. She was a pillar for me even when I felt tired and stressed,” Martinez added.

Martinez hopes to study human medicine at Mahsa University, Malaysia. She advises candidates to follow their hearts and do what they love. 

Mukiza still shocked

The former student of Riviera High School  said, "Despite the hard work I put in, I actually did not ever think it would be this good.” 

The 19-year-old Shaki Mukiza had just learnt she was among the best in humanities, having scored AAAB in History, Economics, Literature and Entrepreneurship.

She attributes her success to God and to her father. She would like to study Criminal Law, preferably abroad.