Jaydon Hibbert (2nd left) shares a moment with three scholarship recipients, (left-right) Ricadeen Wilkins, Jehu Green and Joshua Lewin, while KC’s principal Dave Myrie (far right) and Jaydon’s mentor Ricky Martin (far left).
Jaydon Hibbert, world Under-20 Triple Jump record holder, has established the Leaps and Bounds Foundation to support the education of students at his alma mater Kingston College.
Hibbert presented a symbolic cheque of $780,000 to Kingston College’s Principal Dave Myrie, during an event at the school’s North Street base on Thursday, March 21.
The scholarships were disbursed to five students, valued at $156,000 each, and will cover their tuition fees, books and other expenses for a full academic year.
Among the scholarship recipients are Aaron McKenzie and Daquan Dawkins, both jumpers, who competed at the just-concluded ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships, where Kingston College won its 35th title. The other scholarship recipients are second-form students Jehu Green, Joshua Lewin, and Ricadeen Wilkins.
Hibbert, the first Jamaican and the youngest ever to be awarded the highest US collegiate honour, The Bowerman, lauded Kingston College for instilling the value of giving back.
“The act of giving back was instilled in me during my time at Kingston College, so now, the Leaps and Bounds Foundation is committed to maximising the potential of the youth here, with the focus of providing scholarships annually,” Hibbert shared.
The 19-year-old, who went undefeated throughout the 2023 collegiate season, breaking decades-old records in the process, also imparted words of encouragement to the recipients.
“To all recipients, I encourage you to stay focused, stay humble and stay thankful. I believe in your future and your personal growth here at this great institution,” he said.
Meanwhile, Myrie applauded Hibbert for making the scholarships available to students beyond the athletic community.
"While some may choose to support the athletic community only, he has extended his scholarships to other students, and for that, I must commend Jaydon. During his time at Kingston College, he excelled academically, achieving distinctions in various subjects, including French. We take pride in his achievements,” Myrie noted.
Hibbert, who is currently under professional contract with Puma, also used the opportunity to thank the apparel brand for investing in his talent.
“I want to thank Puma for investing in me and my foundation and I hope to do this annually with their continued support,” Hibbert ended.
Edwin Allen second in Champions of America girls’ 4x800m as Union Catholic sets National Record
Edwin Allen had to settle for second position in the Championships of America high school girls’ 4x800m, as they were soundly beaten by New Jersey-based favourites Union Catholic in the final on day two of the 128th Penn Relays at the Franklin Field in Philadelphia on Friday.
Not only did Union Catholic defend their title, but the team of Jimmiea King, Peyton Hollis, Sophia Thompson, and Paige Sheppard did so in emphatic fashion, clocking a National Record of 8:41.20. They lowered the previous mark of 8:43.12 set in 2008 by Roosevelt.
Edwin Allen’s quartet of Tanesia Gardiner, Monique Stewart, Kevongaye Fowler, and Rickeisha Simms, gave a credible effort in second at 8:50.76, while Virginia-based South Lakes (8:50.8), were third.
The other Jamaican schools, Holmwood Technical (8:58.94) and Alphansus Davis (9:13.83), placed fifth and ninth respectively.
Hydel wins third Championship of America 4x400m title in a row at Penn Relays
Hydel High successfully defended their Championship of America 4x400m title on day two of the 128th Penn Relays at the Franklin Field in Philadelphia on Friday.
The quartet of Alliah Baker, Jody-Ann Daley, Nastassia Fletcher and Abigail Campbell combined to run 3:34.78 to win ahead of Bullis School (3:35.17) and Union Catholic (3:41.75).
Hydel captain Alliah Baker reacted to her second gold medal of the meet.
“I am not shocked but I’m very excited. This is my last year and I’m very happy to finish my last year with two gold medals,” she said.
Hydel have now won this event three straight times and five times in the last six years.
Hydel successfully defends High School Girls Championships of America 4x100m title
Hydel High successfully defended their High School Girls Championships of America 4x100m relay title, as Jamaican schools swept the podium on day two of the 128th Penn Relays at the Franklin Field in Philadelphia on Friday.
The team comprising Shemonique Hazel, Alliah Baker, Shania Myers and Jody-Ann Daley, clocked 44.71s in victory, as they fended off the challenge of Edwin Allen’s quartet Trezeguet Taylor, Theianna-Lee Terrelonge, Renecia Edwards and Jounee Armstrong of Edwin Allen, who clocked 44.96s. St Jago's team of Briana Campbell, Adora Campbell, Bryana Davidson and Quanna Walker, placed third in 45.14s.
Hydel’s captain Baker beamed with delight at the feat.
“We came out here to win and we executed we always say that we are one team, we are here for each other and so we just came out and delivered. We were confident, so we just told each other to stay calm and trust God,” she said shortly after the race.
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