Lithuanian teenager leaves the dictionary at home

Aldas Kreuminis arrived in Ireland only two years ago and had to use a dictionary to do his homework.

Now he's sitting his Junior Certificate, taking nine higher level subjects, and is confident he'll do well.

Aldas (16) and his younger brother Edvinas moved from the Lithuanian capital Vilnius to Listowel, Co Kerry, to join their parents who were already working in Ireland.

Aldas enrolled in St Michael's College and went straight into second year and has since stunned his teachers with his progress.

"It was hard at first and I used to have to use a dictionary to do my homework but it's okay now," said the teenager.

Although he didn't opt for the higher level English paper, Aldas said he was confident of getting at least a B grade.

However, maths is his best subject and he was delighted with last Friday's paper which he said was "easy".

School principal John Mulvihill said the teenager was making the most of his potential.

"Everything was against him -- but he came through great," he said.

- Majella O'Sullivan

Irish Independent