The Gleaner travelled to Olympic Gardens last week where we met three interesting youngsters with bright futures ahead. Continued from A1, here are their stories.

The judge

Future legal eagle, Sashamoy Palmer. - Photos by Ross Sheil

The expression on her face may not say it, but quite often nine-year-old Sashamoy Palmer refuses to leave home, petrified by the sound of gunfire in the community.

It has come to the point where Sashamoy wants to move but she'd be happy to remain, were there no violence. Her solution to this problem, and her career ambition, is to become a lawyer or a judge, and help restore peace to the community.

"I don't like it when they war," said Sashamoy. "Sometimes I feel like I don't exist."

The articulate and intelligent student of Jessie Ripoll Primary School, who also enjoys singing, drama and dance, says though mathematics is her favourite subject, she's confident that she will eventually take on a legal career.

"Fighting crime and in court talking to the judge and those things, I like that," she explained.

Her experience is so far limited to dramatised representations of the courtroom, which have inspired her interest in the profession. To further her studies she wants to meet 'fellow' female luminary of the legal profession, Chief Justice-designate Zaila McCalla, who last week became the first woman in Jamaica to be appointed to the post.

The footballer

Six-year-old Pelleco Shaw

Six-year-old Pelleco Shaw wants to be Jamaica's Ronaldinho, the current wearer of the famous Brazil No. 10 jersey. Wearing the jersey of Apex Kindergarten Prep School, Pelleco recently took home the Most Valuable Player trophy for his performances in a recent inter-school tournament.

How much does he like football? He just nods 'yes' in reply.

This No. 10 may not be old enough to handle media attention but is far from shy with a ball at his feet, zipping across the asphalt and taking on boys much older and bigger.

Despite the ball being too large Pelleco manages to keep it under control, and already seems to have picked up more than just the nifty turns of his Brazilian hero; he plays with that same wide grin across his face.

Already something of a star, it takes an older boy to tie his laces. Also from the neighbourhood, entertainer 'Baby Chris' was keen to get himself a photograph with Pelleco, and not yet too much of a star, the young footballer grants the wish of his fan.

The Shaw family remain his biggest fans, and the new Nike boots on his feet are thanks to relatives in the United States, who have sent several pairs before and, at this rate, he's bound to wear out plenty more.