The Editor, Sir:

The Gleaner headline of October 18, 'Boys bounce back', highlighting the achievements of Kingston College (KC) students at the CSEC and CAPE examinations, is a breath of fresh air.

For a very long time too many of our boys have been marginalised and lumped in the category of non-performers. It was good that The Gleaner could have used the article as its lead story for the day, and I know that while it will be a motivating factor for many boys at KC, it will also impact positively on others outside of KC.

I am aware that, despite KC's rich performance, achievements, history and the unwavering support of the old boys, these achievements come despite the lack of very essential and necessary resources at times. These achievements also speak volumes for the teaching staff, the determination of the boys to make a difference and, a very critical factor, the supporting role that the parents play.

Poor children

As my son has always reminded me, and this was commented on by one of the vice-principals, the majority of the children attending Kingston College are poor children. This again makes the story even more spine-chilling, as I understand that there are many instances where the parents don't even have the resources to fund the examinations. But true to the Bishop Gibson vision, KC has never turned any away.

We really need to have more of these types of stories - captured on the front page of our print media or making the headlines in the electronic media - if we really want our boys to regain their position of prominence in all spheres of our society.

Thanks to the Gleaner Company for using this very positive story to inform the country that despite all that has been said, the future is not all bleak for our boys. And, to the boys at Kingston College, hearty congratulations - you have really made a difference. Your educational achievements will be used to motivate and challenge other boys to awake from their slumber.

I am, etc.,

PAT BIGNALL

wilbig@cwjamaica.com