Love, respect, integrity and a firm belief in God are some of the key traits that come to mind when you hear the name Charlemont High School.

But the ISSA/Wata Ben Francis Cup champions will now be added to that list after the school hoisted the prestigious knockout trophy on Wednesday — the first major schoolboy football title in its history — with a 3-1 scoreline over fellow first-time finalists Petersfield High at the Juici Field in Clarendon.

As expected, the celebrations were brought over to and intensified in Linstead yesterday, as students and teachers were joined by members from surrounding communities to revel in the accomplishment which fittingly ties in with the St Catherine-based institution’s 40th anniversary.

After the team’s procession into the assembly, the chorus “Charlemont, Charlemont, striving always for excellence, Charlemont, Charlemont, great eagles of the sky”, from the school song, gave way to the fun, frolic and excitement that went well into mid-morning.

Though not on hand to join the festivities, Principal Garth Gayle, who is currently in Japan for the Association of National Olympic Committees meeting, was still celebrating straight from the heart.

Gayle spoke glowingly about the school’s accomplishments since its inception in 1978, as it remains one of the most outstanding schools in St Catherine, behind St Jago High, and the number one school in the Linstead area.

He said the school, which is the alma mater of former 100m world record holder Asafa Powell, has always been committed to instilling in students the requisite attitude and skills to contribute positively to the community, nation and the world.

“This victory is an excellent way for Charlemont to celebrate its 40th anniversary as a learning institution in Jamaica. This school has produced excellent Jamaicans over the years and it is an honour for me as principal to put together with the assistance of Mr [Andre] Hinds and other past students a group of young men who have excelled as they did and won the Ben Francis Cup,” Gayle told the Jamaica Observer via telephone.

“We continue to do well in academics, the arts and culture, and now we are doing so in a sport, which is the start of a new journey in the school as we look to bring out the best in each and every student at this institution.

“Once again, it is with great pleasure and joy that as a proud principal, I laud the players who ensured that the school was able to achieve this milestone in its 40th year of celebration,” Gayle added.

Deron Wildman, who scored two of Charlemont’s goals in the 3-1 win, was basking in the feat that earned him the player-of-the-match award.

“Wow! Right now I am feeling very elated to know that this is the first major title for the school and we are the players who won it for them and I also came out as man-of-the-match, so I am feeling very proud of myself right now.

“This is my final year and I wanted to get more out of it, but I will take this to close my schoolboy football chapter and hope that I can also excel at a national level if the window of opportunity presents itself,” the lanky 18-year-old reasoned.

Meanwhile, Captain Marlon Martin dedicated the achievement to his mother who passed away last month.

“This is my first time playing at this level and my final year also, so I am happy that I can say I left with something. The feeling is more rewarding knowing that the school won its first major title with me being the team captain, and I just wish my mom was here to see me lift the trophy,” he said as he fought back tears.