BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Thursday 20th August 2026)-Having been a 2024 Remarkable Teen Awardee in the category of Overcoming Disabilities and Academics (aged 15 then), visually impaired student Mia Romney continues to demonstrate that challenges need not define her potential, with the former Cotton Thomas Comprehensive School student now celebrating an outstanding eight passes from nine CXC CSEC subjects, including five Grade 1s and three Grade 2s.
Her achievement has prompted an outpouring of congratulations on social media- since the news broke on Wednesday 19th August 2026- with hundreds of likes and messages applauding the teenager for her remarkable academic performance.
The Washington Archibald High School (WAHS), where Romney completed her secondary education, in a statement has paid tribute to her achievement, describing her as “one of our most diligent stars” who “rose above insurmountable challenges to excel in 8 out of 9 subjects, earning 5 Grade 1s and 3 Grade 2s.”
The school said Ronmey had consistently demonstrated diligence and perseverance throughout her time at WAHS.
“Mia has always been a diligent student who persevered through every obstacle with quiet intellect, patient understanding, and advice that often seemed far beyond her young age,” the school stated.
WAHS also recalled that upon her admission, Mia was given an opportunity to familiarise herself with the school before classes began, which she immediately embraced.
“She could often be seen navigating the corridors independently,” the school noted.
Her journey was supported by the Ministry of Education, which provided an aide to assist her throughout her high school years. Mia was also provided with the necessary Braille instruments to support her education.
WAHS emphasised that her success was the result of the combined efforts of several stakeholders.
“All stakeholders worked together to help shine the diamond in the rough that was Mia,” the school stated, pointing to the contributions of the school, her teachers, the Ministry of Education, her fellow students, her mother and, most importantly, Mia herself.
The school described Mia as “a beacon of hope, inspiration and tenacity” and expressed its pride in her accomplishment.
“The ‘Washie Wildcats’ are overwhelmingly proud of Mia and continue to wish her every success as she navigates all aspects of her life,” WAHS stated.
Of note, Romney made history when she became the “first visually impaired person to enter into the normal school setting,” was highlighted in her audio-visual presentation at the Remarkable Teens Awards ceremony in November 2024.
Meanwhile, her former school, Cotton Thomas Comprehensive School, in celebrating the achievement of its former student, has described her journey as one that demonstrates how determination and perseverance can overcome significant barriers.
“Today, we celebrate an extraordinary young woman, Mia, a proud graduate of Cotton Thomas Comprehensive School, whose journey is a powerful reminder that challenges do not have to define our limits,” the school said.
Cotton Thomas acknowledged that Romney’s journey through school was not without its challenges, but said her determination, perseverance, support and belief in herself enabled her to progress from the school to WAHS.
The school also highlighted the role of Mia’s mother in her educational journey, describing her support as a powerful example of the difference a committed parent can make.
“Her mother exemplified this beautifully. She was there for Mia: supporting, encouraging, advocating, and standing beside her throughout the journey,” Cotton Thomas stated.
The school said Romney’s success was a testament to her own hard work and determination, supported by her family, teachers and others who believed in her.
At Cotton Thomas, the motto “Soaring Beyond Expectations” has particular resonance in Mia’s story.
“Mia is truly living proof of those words,” the school declared.
Front Page Photo:
Visually impaired student Mia Romney of the Washington Archibald High School (Photo: WAHS)
