She was the topper two years ago, too. D. Anandhi, with 1,173 marks out of 1,200, emerged the 12th standard topper among Chennai Corporation-run schools, on Friday.
In 2012, she had secured 490 marks out of 500 to emerge the topper in the SSLC examination.
Anandhi, a student of Chennai Girls Higher Secondary School, Saidapet, secured 196 in Tamil, 191 in English, 198 in physics, 196 in chemistry, 196 in computer science and 196 in mathematics. She plans to take up engineering, en route to becoming a civil servant.
Attributing her success to the Corporation’s efforts to improve education in Chennai Schools, she said members of an NGO trained the students at her school. “The score is below my expectations. Yet the first rank has boosted my confidence of achieving my ultimate goal of joining the Indian Administrative Service. I am grateful to my teachers and my parents,” said Anandhi.
Her father C. Duraikannu stressed the importance of providing consistent motivation to children, in addition to hard work and determination.
Other rankersM. Sowjanya from the same school, who stood second with 1,168 marks, wants to become a chartered accountant and use her income to serve persons with disability. Her goals have been shaped by the challenges she has faced due to the suffering of her mother who died of cancer, and her visually handicapped father.
The third-rank holder, L. Anusuya of Chennai Higher Secondary School, T.H. Road, who secured 1,160 marks, plans to be a doctor.
Meanwhile, the Corporation has announced that it will fund the toppers. “Chennai Corporation will bear the expenses for the higher education of the three toppers,” said Mayor Saidai Duraisamy.
