Two-time World 100m hurdles champion Danielle Williams will be honored by her alma mater, The Queen’s School, at the 22nd staging of the Queen’s/Grace Jackson Meet set for January 27 at the National Stadium in Kingston, the school announced on Thursday.
Williams, who was named as the runner-up for the 2023 Sportswoman of the Year award at the 2023 RJRGLEANER Sports Foundation National Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year Awards ceremony at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on Friday, addressed students at the school that same morning.
After expressing gratitude to the school’s principal, Ms. Jennifer Williams, as well as the alumnae association, Williams reflected on her years spent at the school.
“I am a proud Queen’s alum. The years I spent here still remain the most formative of my life. I learned discipline, hard work and importance of a community. These are values that have shaped me into the woman I am today,” she said.
Her parting message to the students was to take their education seriously and to always strive for excellence, no matter what others may think.
“Take education seriously, it can be the key that opens many doors. Put trust in God. He’s given us so many gifts and will provide opportunities to use them. Glorify him in all you do. Be kind to others and always seek to do the right thing. Enjoy the time spent at The Queen’s School, form genuine friendships, believe in yourselves, set a standard for your lives. Excellence does not tolerate mediocrity, strive to be excellent in all you do,” she shared.
“People will underestimate you, doubt you, tell you what you can and can’t do but they can’t stop God’s anointing. What is for you will always be for you,” Williams added.
The Queen’s/Grace Jackson meet will commence at 8:30am, with the 400m Class 3. The special 60m event for elite athletes will headline the day’s proceedings.