Petersfield High students lauded for IAAF performance

The Petersfield High School in Westmoreland recently paid tribute to three of its heroes, the three students who took part in the recently concluded Under-18 IAAF World Championships in Nairobi, Kenya.

In addition to being showered with accolades, the three students, Antonio Watson, Shaquena Foote, and Daniel Cope, were each given cash awards from the school valued at a combined J$50,000, during a function at the school.

Custos Rotulorum of Westmoreland the Reverend Hartley Perrin and the mayor of Savanna-la-Mar, councillor Bertel Moore, were special guests.

On the trip in Africa, the 15-year-old Watson, who is considered a bright prospect for the future, won the 400 metres gold medal and was a member of the 4 x 400 metres mixed relay team, which won a silver medal. Foote, who is also 15 years old, was a member of the mixed relay team.

Cope, who is 17, was the boys' team captain of the Jamaican delegation, and while he did not win any medals, he gave a creditable performance in the discus event.

In his congratulatory address, Perrin lauded the trio as living examples of success in action, saying that once they remained focus and disciplined, they should continue to enjoy more success.

"You have shown that failure can be overcome by success. You are succeeding because you have the will to succeed," said Perrin. "Success draws success, and the more successful you are, the more you will find successful people drawn to you."

Moore advised the young athletes to remain grounded and to pay keen attention to the advice of their coach, Machell Woolery, who was also part of the Jamaican delegation to Kenya.

"I want to say to the athletes, continue to listen to your coach. Your coach can make you or break you, and I know you have a wonderful coach here at Petersfield," said Moore.