One swallow may not a summer make, but in the context of much recent criticism and lamentation over under-performance and lack of responsibility of Jamaican boys in academics, and men in the workplace, we find much to celebrate in the success of Kingston College's students in this year's CSEC and CAPE external examinations.

There is, of course, need to do a further examination of grades obtained, and the performances in critical subjects of mathematics and English language at KC and elsewhere. We join, however, in extending heartiest congratu-lations to the students, parents, staff and past students who all played significant roles in helping the boys to do as well as they did.

Of some significance to us is the mentoring role and financial support given by past students. True to the vision of its founder, Bishop Percival Gibson, and following in the tradition of the legendary Douglas Forrest, and Ivan 'Wally' Johnson for the formation of well-rounded characters, a cadre of old boys has stepped in to play a more meaningful role that goes beyond the ubiquitous presence at sporting events. From the time of its founding in 1925, the school, as have many others across the island, produced outstanding graduates who have contributed to the development of this country.

There are, however, some key pointers to this year's success which should be noted, coming against the background of uneven performances and even decline in the not-too-distant past. While KC has always attracted students from middle-class backgrounds, the vast majority of its student population comes from poorer sections of Jamaica - mostly the Corporate Area - and often do not have the supplementary resources which others take for granted. So the long-term team effort of parents, dedicated teachers and past students in 'tracking' the students from first form is most welcomed. Of course, this team effort would have been meaningless without the commitment of the boys themselves.

Also, from the report published in yesterday's Gleaner, it seems that the staff has managed to develop a sense of well-being, camaraderie and commitment to the task that go beyond individual self-seeking.

So then, are there lessons here for the wider Jamaica in how we have been approaching education? Every year, hundreds of students with great potential enter our secondary schools. Over many years, hundreds have 'graduated' with little evidence to show they had ever entered a high school or were exposed to secondary education. So what accounts for this year's success at KC? It cannot simply be that this cohort of boys might have been bright to begin with, for academically gifted students fall through the cracks every year. It does seem they were motivated to perform. The questions are why, and how?

We note, too, that while most of the focus has been on KC, Chief Education Officer Jasper Lawrence has pointed to good performance in other all-boys schools, such as Cornwall College, Munro and Jamaica College.

With all the concerns that too many of our boys are adrift in a sea of mediocrity and seeming hopelessness, this beacon of hope beckons us to greater possibilities for many more of our Jamaican children. While success has many fathers, this is one bandwagon on to which we hope many more people will hop, while laying aside the inevitable temptation to grandstand.