Other 10 As students were Kevin Li Yat-tuen, Simon Cheng Ho-man, Wesley Leung Wang-ho and Tony Ling Siu-chi of St Joseph's College; Tushiyyah Lui Ka-wai, Fanny Ho Tsz-wai and Mandy Wong Oi-man of Diocesan Girls' School (DGS); Yu Hoi-on of Tsuen Wan Government Secondary School; Cheung Sai-hei of Tuen Mun Government Secondary School; Li Ki-kwong of Kwun Tong Maryknoll College, and Tsoi Sze-yeung of Cheung Chuk Shan College.

All of them are science students and most excel in at least one musical instrument or sport.

The DGS girls are all-rounders. While Ka-wai and Oi-man both play in the school Chinese orchestra, Tsz-wai sings in the school choir. Ka-wai and Tsz-wai also excel in Chinese debating. They all thanked their teachers for their unfailing support.

Tsz-wai says: 'Our teachers really care about us. Our teachers even gave us their home phone numbers so we could ask them questions after school. And when we

e-mail them questions they always reply in full.'

The boys did well too. Ki-kwong, 17, became the first student at Kwun Tong Maryknoll College to attain 10 As in the HKCEE.

'I knew I would get As in Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Computer Studies, Economics and Principles of Accounts. But I wasn't so sure about Chinese, English, Maths and Additional Maths,' he said.

Engrossed in computer and arcade games, Ki-kwong had always been a cram-right-before-the-exam student.

Then he entered Form Five and came under pressure from his mother. Every day after school, he revised his class work and practised with past papers. 'My mother is my biggest influence. She is strict and scolded me when I played too much,' he said. 'But pressure is good - I needed to be disciplined.'

Sai-hei of Tuen Mun Government Secondary School also became his school's first ever 10 As student. 'I am not from a rich family and we have financial burdens. Dad and Mum, however, always remind me to seize study opportunities. Everybody has to stand on their own, be determined and get your way!' he said.

There was also a first for St Joseph's College when four of its HKCEE candidates scooped 10 As. The quartet were quickly branded the 'four musketeers'.

For 16-year-old Ho-man, the HKCEE was not all hard work: 'I like reading books on Chinese culture and watching TV to relax.'

The four also spared a thought for their fellow students who didn't do so well.

'It is a combination of luck. I mean results don't mean everything,' Ho-man said. 'Ten As doesn't mean you are a good person, or are going to be successful.'

Reporting team: Queenie Lau, Angela Chan Nga-chi, Boris Van, Henry Sanderson and Sara Ho Pui-ying

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