THE Saint Lucia Sports Academy [SLSA], last Monday, honoured two of its top student-athletes – Naya Jules and Theo Edward, by erecting a billboard on the school compound.
The students were recognized for their exemplary performances and achievements locally and regionally in their various sporting disciplines.
Naya has been a ‘shining-star’ athlete in her own rights, with a record Pole Vault jump at the 2023 Carifta Games, where she won a Gold Medal. She is also a Bronze Medalist in the Javelin event from the 2023 Carifta games, and Gold Medalist in the W/Wards Winlott Games and has hurled the spear to great lengths locally and regionally, amassing several medals and championship prizes along the way.
Theo, was the Saint Lucia captain at the last Winlott W/Wards U-15 Schools Cricket Tournament, where he put on a superlative display with a slew of top-notch centuries to emerge as the MVP of the tournament, and also capturing the Most Runs scored award. He went on to captain the W/Wards U-15 team and is the current vice-captain of the W/Wards U-17 squad.
Said Theo: “My aspiration for the next few years is to get into the West Indies Cricket Academy and hopefully, play the U-19 World Cup for West Indies”.
Added Naya: “Today is a celebration of hard work, and dedication …and I would like to say to you these words: Hard work beats talent, and when talent does not (work), work hard, keep working, and keep pushing.”
The sports academy intends to replicate the event and to fill the designated areas with many more Billboards honouring the achievements of its students for years to come.
SLSA’s Principal, Delia Charles noted that the students’ achievements serve not only as an asset to the institution, but also to the nation.
According to Charles, the purpose for recognizing these students in such manner is to help motivate them to remain steadfast in pursuit of their aspirations and to elevate their accomplishments, thereby instilling greater pride in their families and the country, generally.
“We are working with our students and taking them to greatness,” she declared. “With the right resources and facilities, we believe our students can perform even better.”
Addressing Naya and Theo, Charles added: “Your skills, determination, discipline and passion for your sports have brought you to this level in your sporting career and contributed to your success.”
Acting Sports Director Clivus Jules spoke about the importance of growth and self-sacrifice and encouraged students to use Naya, Theo, and their teachers as role models. He congratulated the honorees and urged them to keep striving for excellence.
“I know you have it within you and you have the staff here to make it happen for you,” he said. “And I want to encourage Naya and Theo to continue to do well.”