Chalce Christie: 12-year-old tech pioneer and enviro advocate
Published:Tuesday | July 29, 2025 | 12:12 AMJanet Silvera/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Savanna-la-Mar Primary School in Westmoreland is marking its 60th anniversary this year, and one student has emerged as the living embodiment of the school’s role in shaping students to be visionary, disciplined, and brilliantly capable.
The student in question is 12-year-old Chalce Christie, the outgoing head girl, valedictorian, and academic front-runner, who has earned a place at Manning’s School with a PEP placement score of 382.7 out of 400 and grade six achievement score of 276.2 out of 280.
However, Chalce’s impact isn’t confined to the four walls of a classroom. In a groundbreaking move for her school, she led the development of Savanna-la-Mar Primary’s first official website, serving as project manager for its design and launch. Her efforts placed the institution among the few primary schools in Jamaica with a modern digital presence.
She also championed a solid waste management campaign titled ‘One School. One Dream. One Team’, rallying her peers around recycling and environmental stewardship in a way that was both impactful and enduring.
“Cooperation is a powerful tool,” Chalce told The Gleaner. “When we join forces, we can keep our school and communities clean and safe. Every piece of waste you recycle is a step towards a greener, healthier future.”
Her leadership and academic dominance were cemented at the school’s annual awards ceremony, where she swept all subject prizes, a feat that punctuated her service as head girl and confirmed her status as one of Jamaica’s most promising young leaders.
EXCEPTIONAL PUPIL
Megan Berry-Scott, principal of Savanna-la-Mar Primary, sees Chalce as an exceptional pupil and took great pride in speaking in speaking about her.
“As the principal, I’m thrilled to share my thoughts on Chalce’s outstanding leadership and academic excellence,” said Berry-Scott. “Throughout her six years with us, Chalce has consistently demonstrated a commitment to learning and a passion for making a positive impact. Her academic achievements are impressive, but what is truly remarkable is her initiative and dedication to serving others.
“As head girl, Chalce’s manifesto focused on supporting our school’s solid waste management programme and creating our school website. Chalce, with the support of her family, worked tirelessly to bring these ideas to life, and her efforts have had a lasting impact on our school community,” continued Berry-Scott.
Chalce, whose parents operate JACE (Jamaica Academy of Computer Education) Online, a business she spends some time getting involved in, has seemingly embrace the concept of leadership, which has clearly prepared her for her student-led initiatives, inspiring both staff and students.
“Her achievements serve as a testament to the potential within every student. We’re proud of Chalce and look forward to seeing her continued growth and success,” added Berry-Scott.
TRULY EXTRAORDINARY
Much of Chalce’s confidence, integrity, and drive are rooted in her Christian faith and the structure of a deeply involved family. Her father, Christopher Christie, described her as “a quiet leader” whose humility, kindness, and purpose set her apart.
“Excellence has always been in Chalce’s spirit. But it’s her heart, her desire to lift others as she climbs, that makes her truly extraordinary,” said Christie, who said he noticed his daughter’s potential from she was just three years old.
“At that age, she decided she wanted to be a doctor, and that has not changed. She is an excellent science student,” said Christie, as he spoke glowingly about the dreams of the youngest of three siblings. “Chalce sings regularly in church and has won a number of medals at the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission music competitions over the years.“
Chalce also benefited from the steady mentorship of her teacher, Kerry-Ann Wolliston, whose guidance and encouragement helped unlock her talents and leadership potential.
As Savanna-la-Mar Primary reflects on six decades of shaping minds and building futures, Chalce Christie is more than a bright star, she is a symbol of what is possible when vision, values, and opportunity converge.
And at just 12 years old, she’s only getting started.