there's hope for the Island's youth and future.

Stunning patrons of C-Mart with his polite and courteous nature, grocery packer Calvin Philpott greets everyone who walks through the door of the North Shore Road store with a smile.

He always wishes them a "good morning'' or "good afternoon''.

And after he packs their bags, Calvin does not tell the customer to "have a good day'' in hopes of a generous tip. He really means it.

Calvin, who will be starting his second year at Berkeley Institute next month, said he is polite because his granny, Vina Outerbridge -- who raised him -- "made'' him that way.

He explained that despite not having a father or mother around, his grandmother, aunts and uncles were always there for him.

"I was treated like any other kid even though I did not have my parents around,'' Calvin said.

He said he also appreciated when people commented on his politeness.

Calvin's employer, former UBP MP Anthony Correia, said Calvin's "great attitude'' would allow him to do well in the hotel industry or in public relations.

"He says good afternoon/morning to everyone and can get as much as $5 to $10 for packing a loaf of bread just because he is so polite,'' Mr. Correia said.

C-Mart manager Andrew Correia recalled that when Calvin came to work for them he was told to thank people when they gave him tips and to be courteous, but he said Calvin's politeness came from within and went far beyond his duty.

"Without even being asked Calvin will go and get things for customers out of the warehouse,'' Mr. Correia said. "No one has to ask him to do anything. If he hears that someone needs something, he will go and get it.'' Cashier Ruby Furbert said people sometimes gave Calvin money just for being polite.

"No one ever has to ask Calvin to do anything,'' she said. "He goes out of his way.'' Calvin's boss said he had received comments from costumers who said they had never seen a young man that age so polite.

Some of the customers where so impressed they offered Calvin a job.

Mr. Correia said one woman thinking Calvin, who is five-feet, eight-inches tall, was older told him that he should not be packing groceries and offered him a job in the hotel industry.

And just yesterday someone, who was impressed with Calvin's attitude, gave him a business card and offered him a job.

Mr. Correia said Calvin -- who plays chess and enjoys all sports, particularly basketball, football, and cricket -- was a very bright energetic, polite young man.

"I wish there were a lot more like him around. Bermuda would be a better place,'' he said.