A VERY athletic-looking young man wearing the broadest of smiles as he gazes at an academically stunningly achievement - that was Vincent Tam Shing-fai of Kowloon Wah Yan College studying the five As on his English Advanced-Level exam results slip. The well-built 19-year-old scored A(1) in Physics, Pure Mathematics, Use of English [AS], Ethics and Religious Studies [AS], and an A(2) in Chemistry. ''I had no idea I would get five As!'' Vincent said. ''I thought I might have a chance of getting distinctions in the science subjects, so I was thrilled to get As in Use of English and Religious Studies.'' Asked whether he had a formula for academic success, Vincent said he kept to a basic practice of persistent revision of notes, total attention in class, raising questions in class about things he did not understand - and maintaining good health. To stay fit, Vincent plays badminton and swims. The die-hard fan of Pete Sampras also loves to sharpen his wits by playing bridge. He demonstrates he is neither a bookworm nor an introvert by taking up posts like those of chief librarian and chief editor on the school's editorial board. It may come as a surprise that Vincent, who has such an active life, both in and out of the classroom, actually gives tuition to classmates with study problems. A group of close friends described the outstanding student as ''down-to-earth, sincere, helpful, opportunistic, persistent, and definitely not pompous''. Interested in computer engineering, Vincent will be widening his horizon with an overseas education at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York on a three-year scholarship. ''My parents really like me to study overseas so I can be exposed to another culture and learn to be independent.'' He said he loved the challenge of taking care of himself in a foreign land, and perhaps getting close to his tennis idol. Teacher and friend Lam Wing-hong hoped Vincent would ''continue his success in the US and make us proud''. Vincent was not the only student who brought Wah Yan College honour at the exam. Ip Ping-bong and King Tak-wai also did very well with three As in Pure Mathematics, Physics and Computer Studies. Chemistry teacher Charles Wong Kwok-wan said: ''They have done their best, and they deserve the glory their results have brought them.''
