Maggotty High School star athletes receive awards

Yoshane Bowen and Jayden Brown, who both represented Maggotty High School with distinction at the 2024 ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls' Athletics Championships (Champs) in Kingston, were among 170 students from St Elizabeth who received awards and commendations from the Canada-based Children of Light Outreach Foundation on Sunday.

The awards were held at the Jointwood Seventh-day Adventist Church. Bowen, 17, who placed third in the Class One boys' 800 metres, said it felt incredible to know that he was being recognised in his community.

"I am going to be part of Jamaica's team at the Carifta Games this year, where I will be doing the 800-metre race, and it feels pretty good that I am going to represent Jamaica one more time," Bowen told THE STAR.

"I am happy because it will also be my last time representing at the Carifta Games. I feel delighted that the Children of Light Foundation is recognising me right here and everything," added Bowen.

Bowen's mother, Jenice Baker, was delighted that her son was recognised for his sporting prowess in his home community.

"I am so excited, I am proud of him, and I hope he keeps it up. The fact that he's going to represent Jamaica, I am so excited, because he did it in 2022; and I am so happy he is going to do it here in 2024," said Baker. Bowen won a bronze medal in the boys' under-17 1500 metres at the 2022 Carifta Games.

"From grade three, he was always active in sports. He was active in athletics and football, but he always preferred the athletics over the football," added Baker.

Brown, a grade nine student, was gracious for the recognition, which has boosted his confidence going into the upcoming Penn Relays in the United States, where he will represent his school.

"I feel pretty good to know that everyone in the community came out and supported me, so I feel wonderful. I feel pretty good, although sometimes it can be stressful, but the rewards that I get make it worth it," said Brown, who won the Class Three boys' 800 metres at 'Champs'. His mother, Tacia Williams, was equally delighted for her son, albeit admitting that he was not always enthusiastic about sports.

"I am feeling so elated for him this evening...it is a good feeling. I am always supporting him; and I am here, there and everywhere with him," said Williams.