Celebrating with Ruel Reid

Whoever principal Ruel Reid accords praise for Jamaica College's (JC) victory at the recent Boys and Girls' Athletics Championships, he deserves accolades himself - for standing for principle.

Mr Reid was criticised for his policy of demanding minimum academic grades from student athletes if they are to represent JC. That kept some potential medal winners from the championships, compromising Jamaica College's chance of winning.

However, we support Mr Reid's position that the primary offering at JC is education, in which school and students are stakeholders and accountable for deliverables. The add-ons follow.

It is significant that JC has not only won Champs, but the Manning Cup football tournament with a team of mostly sixth-formers. It is notable, too, that the academic output is improving at JC and discipline is on the improve.

Leadership and principle do matter.

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