Bryan Millwood (right) with his parents Byron Millwood and Patricia Millwood. - Norman Grindley/Chief Photographer

Bryan Millwood of Windward Road Primary and Junior High School in Kingston has a mother who constantly drilled a popular quote into his head.

The quote by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow states, "heights by great men reached and kept were not attained by sudden flight; but while their companions slept, were toiling upward in the night."

This was like a Bible verse for Bryan who listened attentively and acted on the advice of his mother.

So it came as no surprise for him when his teacher told him Tuesday evening that he had been placed at Wolmer's High School for Boys.

Future doctor

"I wasn't really excited because, when I was doing the test, I knew that I could do it," Bryan told The Gleaner Wednesday with a grin.

An accountant or doctor in the making, Bryan is also a member of his school's track and field and football teams. He also said he was fascinated by mathematics and science.

The unassuming youngster attributed his success to his mother, Patricia Millwood, a dressmaker and his father, Byron Millwood, an electrician/computer technician.

"My mother always told me to be friends with persons who are smarter than I am," said the 12-year-old.

He also noted that his father penalised him when he was not performing up to par. Those penalties include not being allowed to go on the computer, one of his favourite pastimes.

Parents not surprised

At Bryan's parents' Windward Road, Kingston, business place on Wednesday, his mother told The Gleaner she was happy that her son was going to Wolmer's Boys.

One of Bryan's siblings is also a student at the Heroes Circle-based institution.

Mrs Millwood noted that she was aware of the constant news of boys being in trouble with the law.

"You have to strengthen them, as a parent, because you don't want them to fall by the wayside and what you tell them is important," Mrs Millwood advised.

Mr Millwood said he was not shocked that his son performed well at GSAT.

"I was the one who helped him with mathematics and he has the attitude and the aptitude so I was confident that he would do very well," he said.

petrina.francis@gleanerjm.com