Dear Editor,

On Friday, March 31 when I turned to the sport pages of the Jamaica Observer and saw the headline ‘After the battle, the reward’, I did a double take. Huh? This was my alma mater’s motto. But why was it being used as a headline in the sports section, during Champs season no less?

My heart began to quicken, could it be? No. But, seriously, could it? Then I slowly began to read the subhead: ‘Holy Childhood’s Wolfe revels in school’s first Champs gold medal’. I got up from my seat, made a few paces, looked at the subhead again, and began to burst with pride. A Cheshire Cat had nothing on me.

Unfortunately I was at work so I couldn’t roll on the ground or “palance”, the most I could do was read it aloud for my colleague, stretch my hands to the heavens in silent jubilation, and say, ‘Yes! After many a battle, we have finally been rewarded.”

It was only a couple days before that someone asked me which school I was “bringing” for Champs, my answer, as always, was Holy Childhood High School. The person laughed, I chuckled. I went on to explain that I couldn’t care less about the favourites, I would always support the school I attended.

Despite my loyalty, however, I fully expected that like every other year “Childhood” would enter, try its best, but not make a mark. I know the principal, Sister Maxine McIntosh, has, over the years, tried to balance scarce resources in order to support the school’s sports teams, but it still lacks the resources to put out a Hydel-like effort.

But, lo and behold, gold has been mined from the depths of this renowned institution.

Congratulations to the one who led us to this historic victory, Abigail Wolfe. Sister, a special mass should be said in her honour.

Congratulations as well to the principal, coaches, and all the other athletes on the track team. This is one for the books.

C Walker

cwalker@gmail.com