In the quiet village of Timehri, nestled along the upper East Bank of Demerara, Region 4, a young lady’s dream took flight, one grounded in faith, perseverance, and an unyielding determination to make a difference.
That young lady is Keona Higgins, who recently made Guyana proud by graduating as the second-best graduating student of the Hugh Wooding Law School (HWLS) and the best graduating Guyanese student.
At the end of Keona’s first year (2023/2024) at the Hugh Wooding Law School, she was the recipient of several academic awards, including:
- The Chief Justice Ian N. Chang S.C., C.C.H. Memorial Prize for Best Performance in Criminal Practice and Procedure
- The Israel Khan S.C. Prize for Outstanding Performance in Criminal Practice and Procedure
- The Justice Alice Yorke-Soo Hon Prize for Outstanding Performance in Criminal Practice and Procedure
- The Mervyn Campbell Prize for Best Performance in the Law of Remedies
For Keona, this moment is more than just an academic triumph, it’s the realisation of a dream years in the making. “It feels incredibly rewarding to officially be a graduate of the Hugh Wooding Law School…This accomplishment reminds me that hard work, focus, and consistency undoubtedly pay off,” she shared.
Her journey to law, however, was not a straight path. In high school, a shift in available subject options forced her to choose business studies instead of the arts, where law typically begins. Yet, even setbacks could not deter her ambition. When her mother lost her job of over two decades and struggled to seek redress without legal representation, Keona found her calling. “It was the first time I saw my mother cry, and I knew then that I wanted to help people who couldn’t help themselves,” she said with heartfelt sincerity.
Life at Hugh Wooding Law School came with its own challenges, long study hours, emotional hurdles, and being far from home for the first time. But Keona’s resilience, anchored by her faith and a strong support system, carried her through. “Remembering my ‘why’ kept me motivated,” she explained. “I had my parents, my friends, and mentors like Brother Mario, who supported me every step of the way.”
One of her most touching memories came during her final year, just before her grandfather’s passing. “He told me he was preparing to attend my graduation,” she recalled. “His words stayed with me and gave me strength to finish strong.”
Now, as she prepares to step into the legal profession, Keona hopes her story will inspire others, especially young Guyanese women from small villages, to dream boldly and work tirelessly. “If this is what you desire, speak to God about it, then go for it,” she advised. “There will always be noise and hurdles, but you must always get back up.”
Keona Higgins’ story is a testament to what can happen when perseverance meets purpose. From the modest beginnings in Timehri to the grand halls of Hugh Wooding Law School, she embodies what it means to rise, to serve, and to inspire.
