Hit them for six!

As a teen, Aaron Johnson hit his fair share of big shots while playing for St Catherine High School, and he's looking to play another master stroke as he assists the current team.

Last Friday, Johnson, who attended the school from 2004 to 2010, donated much-needed cricket gear to his alma mater, which he hopes will boost its participation in the current Under-19 schoolboy competitions.

The gear, comprising bats and balls, was handed over on the grounds of the St John's Road, Spanish Town-based institution. Johnson, who migrated in 2017, has continued to play cricket and has competed for the Canadian national team. He said it gave him a feeling of satisfaction to give back.

"I remember that, when I played here, there were occasions that we only had two bats and a ball for the match," Johnson said. "So I was able to secure from Zain Sports, the four bats, balls, tips and other items for the team which started my career. I know that sports, and cricket in particular, strengthens my character through discipline. The team is better equipped and it feels good to assist."

Principal of St Catherine High School, Marlon Campbell, said donations to any institution from one of its own is a great sense of achievement.

"This moment is filled with pride, joy and satisfaction, as a former student finds it prudent to be giving back to the institution which helped with his early development," Campbell said.

Captain of the cricket team Winston Williams said the gear is a timely gift.

"We were in need of playing gear, especially during this time when we are engaged in competition," Williams said.

Coach Wayne Morgan said Johnson was a special part of the school's participation in schoolboy competitions and it is pleasing to see his maturity and kindness come to the fore.

"It is a good look for the team, especially now that we're in preparation for the Under-19 GraceKennedy Cricket competition," Morgan said. "I don't know if we have retrieved the balls which he dispatched on this ground. Aaron is a great talent and we are appreciative of his gesture in remembering his alma mater."