Anthony A. Foster, Youth Writer 
DENNIS COKE/ Staff Photographer
Sixteen-year-old whiz kid Oneil Thompson is eyeing a career in art. In the meantime he uses whatever he can find around the house to express his talent, whether it be cardboard, scrap paper or plastic.
This young boy from Manchester started creating art even before he started school. Of his great love and beginnings in this field he says that his "cousin Shawn Knight taught me how to sketch, and from then I got to love drawing and will do it as a profession".
Oneil added that he would also like to explore the field of graphic design and would like to go to designing school to further his skills.
Oneil who is a grade 10 student at the Papine Comprehensive High school in St. Andrew, said when he was younger his aim was to be a pilot. All that changed when he saw his cousin's artwork.
"Right now I am not too far along in my work because there a lot more things to learn and I hope that one day I can accomplish them," he said. "By working hard I think that day will come when I will be really accomplished."
He thanks Mr. Knight, a teacher at the Papine Comprehensive High School who has been helping in his preparations. He will be taking two subjects in this year's CXC examinations English and Art & Craft.
Favorite athlete: Shawn Knight (Cousin)
Favorite artiste: R. Kelly
Favorite food: Rice and chicken
Favourite movie: Baby Geniuses
Hobbies: Drawing and watching TV
Most memorable moment: When I drew a house and everyone wanted me to do one for them. They said that they would give me any money for it
Most disappointing moment: When I drew a girl and everyone liked it and she said that it didn't look like her and ripped it out of my book.
Words to other young people: Do the best in whatever you want to be and nothing can stop you from achieving your goals.
