THE EDITOR, Sir:

Congratulations to the winning team of the Junior Schools' Challenge Quiz competition, Mona Preparatory. Their hard work paid off.

Over the years, I have managed to watch the young primary students' rivalry in the televised competition, and I have nothing but admiration and best thoughts for our young, bright minds.

I was particularly impressed with young Miss Garrick, captain of Mona Prep. Her diction, pronunciation, confidence and friendliness with the camera is more than you can find in many educated adults.

It is my hope that for the sake of these students, our youth, the unborn children and care for the future, our leaders will rise to the occasion and do what needs to be done for these youth to have a hopeful future.

I also hope that the parents, schools and guardians of these children will encourage them to stay focused and grow to be better beings and masterful geniuses of our society. Adolescents and young adults have a way of doubting their potential and not believing in their dreams after a while.

May our young ones have a successful end-of-term exam period and an enjoyable Christmas.

OMAR RYAN

omaryan@live.com