ST CATHERINE, Jamaica— Potential and promise were some themes emerging from exuberant devotion exercises at Hydel High Monday morning as the school celebrated their win at the Issa/GraceKennedy girls’ athletics championships.

The white and blue clad students belted out “I am a promise” as they celebrated the athletes who had represented the institution over the five-day event securing a tight victory over Edwin Allen High School for their second title in three years.

The athletes, wearing their blue tracksuits, hoisted the massive trophy as their schoolmates and representatives from GraceKennedy looked on.

CEO of GraceKennedy Financial Group, Grace Burnett, expressed her delight at the school’s triumph.

“It’s just amazing that you have pulled it off again, when I think of Hydel, I think of the little engine that could. A school with a population of 600 has pulled off something that track teams of 600 could not do and I think you should be joyous about what you’ve done,” she said.

Reflecting on the event, which is the company’s largest sponsorship at J$185 million, Burnett said: “We believe that what we are doing is not just about Grace/Kennedy but about Jamaica. Every time I see one of the athletes transition, I know what we are doing is the right thing.”

Burnett reminded the young women that the same characteristics that made a successful athlete would lead them to success in life.

She also recognised Hydel coach Corey Bennett for his work bringing the team to victory.

Hydel ended the championships on 277 points in a nail biting competition that came down to the very last event. The school beat their rivals Edwin Allen by only 11 points.

Students of Hydel High during devotions on Monday celebrate their win at the Issa/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships last week (Photo Garfield Robinson)

Students of Hydel High during devotions on Monday celebrate their win at the Issa/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships last week (Photo Garfield Robinson)

Athletes and Coaches of Hydel High during devotions on Monday show off their trophy from their win at the Issa/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships last week (Photo Garfield Robinson)