In an extraordinary display of talent and determination, two high school students from NAISAK, Karishma Sivakumar and Gabriella Saade, have earned the highest academic scores in the country. Both students have been recognised not only for their exceptional intelligence but also for their unwavering commitment to their studies. Despite their individual paths, their shared passion for learning and relentless pursuit of excellence have set them apart as trailblazers in the academic world.
Karishma Sivakumar achieved the top score in Qatar for Chemistry IGCSE and ranked second nationwide across nine subjects. Reflecting on her success, she said, “I was really proud, obviously. I’m not going to say I didn’t expect it because I did, but I was still really proud. I have achieved it.” Her words, humble yet confident, highlight the dedication that led to her remarkable results. When asked about how she celebrated, she responded with a smile, “We went out for lunch. I bought some stuff, got some money.”
Karishma’s Chemistry teacher at NAISAK, Mr. Daniel Luther Kwofie, had high praise for her achievements. "Having Karishma in my chemistry class has been an absolute privilege. Her passion for the subject, coupled with an exceptional ability to grasp complex concepts, sets her apart. She consistently exceeds expectations, demonstrating not only a deep understanding of the subject but also an eagerness to explore beyond the curriculum. It's rare to see such a combination of talent and hard work, and I was not surprised when I heard news about her achievement. I am proud to be her teacher."
Gabriella Saade, who topped Qatar in Business AS Level, shares a similar sense of pride and excitement about her achievement. “I was in class when my IT teacher informed me that I had received the award for being the top in the country for Business AS Level,” she recalled. “The only thing I could think of was getting home and telling my parents. I just wanted to make them proud.” She laughs as she remembers the moment she broke the news to her mum: “The minute she stepped inside the house, I told her, ‘I got an award for business... for being the top of the country.’ We were both shocked. I was shocked too. I couldn’t believe it.”
Both Karishma and Gabriella’s celebrations reflect the joy and sense of accomplishment that accompanies such significant milestones. For Gabriella, it was a family outing: “My mum took me out shopping, and we went out to eat. We had a great time celebrating together,” she shared, beaming. Their shared experience shows that, while the achievements themselves were remarkable, the moments that followed were just as meaningful.
Looking to the future, both students are focused on their next steps. Karishma, reflecting on the transition to Year 12, noted, “Year 12 is definitely a step up from Year 11. Even though there are fewer subjects, there’s a lot more content. It feels like you’re doing just as much work as you did during the IGCSEs, even with fewer subjects.” She is already setting high goals for herself. “Yeah, hopefully all A* grades in Year 13 if I stay for Year 13,” she remarked with characteristic determination.
Gabriella, too, is looking ahead, focusing on her ambition to attend top business schools. “I’m looking at universities that offer AACSB accreditation. It’s important because many schools just give you a degree, but they don’t highlight the accreditation, and I think that’s valuable,” she explained. “I want to work for businesses that operate ethically and produce the kind of products I like. I’m particularly interested in luxury fashion, and hopefully, I’ll pursue a career with LVMH, where my mother works.”
Both girls share a strong desire to continue their education beyond undergraduate studies. While Karishma plans to pursue a master’s degree, Gabriella is focused on gaining work experience before she applies for an MBA. “I need three years of work experience before I can apply for an MBA,” Gabriella said, her ambition clear. “I want to help with business strategies and market research — that’s what I’m most interested in.” Karishma, similarly, plans to continue her academic journey and is already thinking about the next steps: “Probably a master’s,” she said when asked about her long-term plans.
The two also reflect on the teachers who have inspired and supported them along the way. For Gabriella, it was a teacher from Kuwait who sparked her interest in business. “I had a teacher from Kuwait who really inspired me. She made me realise that I had a passion for school, especially for business and economics,” she recalled. “Her name was Ms Zahra, and I think she was the reason I found my passion for these subjects.” Even at NAISAK, Gabriella acknowledges the importance of the teacher who has supported her. “Mr. Rigney has helped me with a lot of questions, especially because the business questions are quite lengthy,” she said. “He’s always there to correct me and check my work.”
Gabriella’s Business teacher at NAISAK, Mr. Blain Rigney, also praised her exceptional achievement. “Congratulations to Gabriella for achieving the highest AS Business grade in the country! Your exceptional dedication, hard work, and passion for learning have set a benchmark of excellence. We are incredibly proud of your outstanding achievement and know this is just the beginning of your remarkable journey!”
When asked about the strategies that helped them succeed, both girls were quick to share their approaches. Karishma’s advice for future students is straightforward: “Practice a lot — it’s better than just studying. Also, create your own personalised notes using the specification guide. It helps break down complex concepts.” Gabriella echoed the importance of preparation, adding, “It’s about dedication. You’ve got to make sure you put in the time and effort, and keep pushing yourself even when it gets tough.”
For both Karishma and Gabriella, the journey to the top has not just been about achieving great grades but about maintaining the mindset that drives continued success. Karishma’s belief in the need for perseverance is clear: “All success is temporary — you have to keep working to stay successful.” Gabriella shares a similar view, stressing the importance of determination: “People often underestimate how important business and economics are, but they really run the world. Business runs businesses, and economics runs the country. These fields are more important than people realise.”
Together, Karishma and Gabriella are not just academic prodigies but also inspiring role models for their peers. Their achievements have pushed the boundaries of what young students can accomplish, showing that with hard work, dedication, and a love for learning, the sky’s the limit. Their success serves as a reminder that the future belongs to those who are willing to dream big and put in the effort to make those dreams a reality.
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