THE EDITOR, Sir:

I am commenting on a recent story "High school reveals no vitamin C in Ribena" (published on Wednesday March 28). Reading this story was like music to my ears. After further reading the story in the New Zealand Herald, I was beaming from ear to ear. This story brought back memories of a similar experience I had during my tenure at Calabar High School.

Back then (late '90s), the Ribena drink brand was popular and carried the slogan, "4 times the vitamin C of oranges." Without getting into details, I performed a basic experiment that disproved this slogan and used the experiment as a science club project at the annual science fair hosted by the Scientific Research Council (SRC). I don't recall the project winning, but the whole experience (controversial it was) made my high school days worthwhile.

Congratulations to the students from Pakuranga College, New Zealand (Anna Devathasan and Jenny Suo) on a research well done. Telling by their success, their hard work paid off big time!

Let this story be a strong reminder that virtually anything is possible in this world, whenever one puts in the effort (research, analysis, and good judgement) into even the simplest of ideas. In my opinion, instilling this principle into more young minds will at least be a precursor to a positive future for any nation.

I am, etc.,

LEIGHTON ROWE

lrowe2@iit.edu

Melbourne, Florida

Via Go-Jamaica