Edwin Allen celebrates resilient Champs team
Published:Tuesday | March 31, 2026 | 12:09 AMRaymond Graham/Gleaner Writer
Edwin Allen High School turned Frankfield blue yesterday, celebrating their 11th ISSA/raceKennedy Girls’ Athletics Championships title with a high-energy campus rally and street parade.
Students and supporters packed the school grounds before marching through the Clarendon town, filling the air with music, whistles, and vuvuzelas in a celebration that stretched over three hours.
Principal Jermaine Harris set the tone. Dressed in school colours and waving a blue flag, he was introduced to roaring cheers with Vybz Kartel’s We Nuh Fraid A Nobody.
But amid the jubilation, Harris thanked the athletes for their resilience as he reflected on a difficult season.
“I must commend you all for the victory despite the many problems faced ... . The death of Taneisha Gayle set back training by some six weeks, as all athletes had to go through vigorous medical tests before the restart of training. Immediately after that came Hurricane Melissa, which partially destroyed the dormitories; then later on, we lost former hurdles coach Kirk Douglas, who spent some 20 years with us,” he said.
He dedicated the win to the late athlete.
“This win is dedicated to Gayle, and may her soul rest in peace,” said Harris, who also recognised the boys’ team for finishing seventh. “It is very expensive to maintain a big boys’ and girls’ team, but nothing will stop us from doing this, and I am calling on all past students, locally and overseas, along with the business community, to continue their support.”
Head coach Michael Dyke, architect of all 11 titles, praised the team’s resilience, saying the girls’ victory brought “a marvellous feeling”.
“At one stage, we thought we would not have been at the championships based on the several mishaps we had. However, a big thanks to all those who made this possible, including the principal, coaching staff, and all the girls who made it possible,” he said.
Dyke singled out standout performers, including Kevongaye Fowler and Brittany Baron.
“Fowler was a very close friend of Gayle and was determined to do something special for her. Kevongaye was a different athlete after the death of her close friend and was the first to be at training and the last to leave; and in the end, it showed in the results, where she won the Class 1 800m and 1500m.
“Baron must be commended for her win in the heptathlon. One day before the closing of entries, we found out that the athlete preparing for the event could not do it, and when she was asked to do so she readily agreed, and with only one week of preparation for the event, she is now the gold medallist, which I think is a miracle,” said Dyke.
Team captain Briana Morris gave the vote of thanks on behalf of the athletes.
“A big thanks to all those who made this win possible, especially to the coaching staff, teachers and supporters, and we would like to dedicate this win to Taneisha,” she said.
GraceKennedy’s Acting General Manager, Marion Stephenson, hailed the team’s grit.
“You girls did an excellent job despite challenges earlier in your preparation. This shows dedication and resilience, and you are real champions,” she said.