Denbigh High making giant strides in ISSA competitions

Denbigh High School has been making giant strides in Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) competitions over the past six months.

Known for their prowess in schoolgirl netball, where the institution has captured titles at the under-14, under-16 and under -19 levels, the school has also shown growth in other areas, where they have been punching above their weight in competition so far.

Things started well for the school in netball last November after their under-19 team contested the ISSA rural netball final, where they lost to Holmwood Technical.

It did not stop there for Denbigh, as the school’s senior football team had one of its better showings.

The team advanced to the final 16 of the daCosta Cup football competition before making it to the Ben Francis KO semi-finals, where they lost to Clarendon College. Striker Lashawn Barnaby, who scored 14 goals in the daCosta Cup, was the top scorer in the knockout competition with four goals.

The past month has been exceptional for the school, especially in track and field and hockey.

At the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Athletics Championships (Champs), the school created history by winning its first individual boys’ medal. Fresh off his gold-medal run several weeks earlier at the Central Athletics Championships in the Class Two 400m, Chanton White claimed bronze in the event at Champs. It was even more history for the school as they had two finalists in the event, with Rayvon Black finishing eighth in the final. Kingsley Hanson’s finished eighth in the Class Two 400m hurdles as the school ended with eight points to place 29th overall.

Earlier this month, the school shone brightly in the ISSA Hockey League, as the girls’ team was crowned champions after defeating defending champions Immaculate Conception on penalties for the title. The male team also grabbed bronze, beating defending champions Jamaica College 2-0 in the third-place play-off.

In addition, both teams dominated the individual awards. Jason Channer, the joint top scorer with 10 goals, was named MVP among the boys, while Nishauna Forshaw was named the girls’ MVP.

Denbigh closed out the term with good showings in volleyball and table tennis competitions. The under-16 boys’ table tennis team finished third in their zonal play-off, while the girls’ volleyball team ended fourth in the rural competition.

Principal of Denbigh High Annett Daley and the school’s sports coordinator Terese Daniels, are very proud of the giant strides made by the school’s athletes.

PASSION

“Since assuming my role as principal, I have witnessed firsthand the dedication, discipline, and passion our young athletes have been bringing to their sports. Beyond medals, our athletes have exemplified integrity, representing Aqua Nation with pride both on and off the field,” said Daley, who took on the post last September.

She lauded the efforts of those who made the success possible.

“These triumphs are a collective effort. I extend my deepest gratitude to our talented coaches, supportive families, and the entire school community for fostering an environment where students strive in all endeavours.

“These achievements also reflect the hard work and strategic insights of past principals and members of staff. I am merely standing on the shoulders of great leaders,” concluded Daley.

Daniels, who is also a member of the physical education department and currently assigned the role of sports coordinator, was very thankful for the support given.

“I must say a big thank you for the support given by the administrative staff, led by the principal. Despite limited resources, the athletes were able to perform at their best, and this augurs well for the future. This is just the start of bigger things to come,” she said.