Byron McDaniel, Gleaner Writer

WALDERSTON, Manchester:

He was not born a star but when Jeffrey Byfield returned to his alma mater, Robins Hall All-Age School in Manchester, on Wednesday, he was the centre of attraction.

The national chess champion was back at his school as the guest speaker for this year's graduation.

"If you believe you can, you are right and if you believe you can't, you are also right", said Byfield who is also currently responsible for the formulations of curricula in several schools.

Take responsibility

Byfield urged the graduates, includuing six ninth-graders and 21 Grade Six Acheivement Test awardees, to take responsibility for themselves.

"Have a goal, be persistent, eat properly, manage your emotion and keep the right friends," he told them. He also urged the graduates to spend time around successful people.

"All are born with potentials to be genius,".

During the graduation, the Ida Charlton Foundation Bursary valued at $20,000 was presented to 12-year-old, Dillian Young, the student with the highest academic average.

Principal, R.E. Henry said Young received above 82 per cent in all subject areas.