Herbert hails CEMSS Penn athletes ‘excellence’

Kylla Herbert, the Camden, South Jersey-based coordinator of the St. Kitts and Nevis Penn Relays initiative, has lauded the athletes and staff of the Charles E. Mills Secondary School (CEMSS) for representing their school with “excellence” during the recently concluded Penn Relays Carnival at the Franklin Field Stadium at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.  

“The student-athletes performed exceptionally well both on and off the track,” Herbert told Caribbean Life on Friday, May 8. “They demonstrated discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship throughout the entire experience.”

Herbert “especially” thanked the organizational partner, the South Jersey Caribbean Cultural and Development Organization (SJCCDO), as well as St. Kitts and Nevis’s Sandy Point Benevolent Society (SPBS), for their “continued collaboration and commitment to our youth.”

“Thanks to SPBS members Alrick Warner and Trevor Hanley for stepping up this year to assist with fundraising efforts,” she said. “Special thanks to Stewart Williams of SPBS for believing in the vision of the St. Kitts and Nevis Penn Relays initiative and getting members and friends involved.”

Herbert said the effort was made possible through volunteer coordination and the generous donations of individuals and St. Kitts and Nevis organizations, including the SJCCDO, SPBS, the St. Kitts and Nevis Nationals Association of DC, and Nevisians for Nevis (NY).

She also commended St. Kitts and Nevis Ambassador to the US Jacinth Henry-Martin for her “continued support” of St. Kitts and Nevis athletes at the Penn Relays, as well as the St. Kitts and Nevis Deputy Consul General, Kressell Daniel, for his “support and attendance at the Penn Relays.” 

In addition, Herbert expressed gratitude to St. Kitts and Nevis Penn Relays Committee members who volunteered their services: Alrick Warner, Trevor Hanley, Bernardo Phipps, Davida Williams, Janet Evelyn, Teresa Browne-Parris, Lassel Farrell (driver), and James Cordice.

 Daniel said the government and people of St. Kitts and Nevis, together with the Embassy and the Consulate of St. Kitts and Nevis, commended CEMSS for “a series of standout performances” at this year’s Penn Relays that ran from April 23-25. 

The recognition was also shared at an Appreciation Dinner for St. Kitts and Nevis and Vincentian athletes on the night of April 25 at the Calabash Restaurant and Lounge in Philadelphia. The reception was co-hosted by Herbert and Cordice. 

“CEMSS athletes rose to the occasion on one of the world’s most competitive stages, delivering results that reflect both talent and composure,” said Daniel, stating that the girls snatched the 1st spot in the 4x400m and placed 2nd spot in the 4x100m; while the boys placed 5th in the 4x100m and were among the top 10 finishers in the 4x400m.  

He noted that this year’s squad was largely composed of junior athletes, many of whom competed at the Penn Relays for the very first time.

“Their performances signal a strong pipeline of talent and a foundation for sustained success at the regional and international levels,” Daniel said. 

CEMSS Manager Niketa Isles said she was “truly proud of what this team accomplished at the Penn Relays 2026, especially when we compare it to our performances in 2024 and 2025. 

“This year’s female team, with three returning athletes, showed clear growth, maturity, and confidence, which translated into outstanding results,” she said. “Their experience from previous years made a significant difference in how they handled the pressure and executed on race day. 

“On the male side, we had only one returning athlete, making this a very young and developing team compared to previous years,” Isles added. “While their placements may not yet match where we want to be, their effort and exposure at this level are laying the groundwork for future success. 

“Overall, when compared to 2024 and 2025, this year reflects positive progression, particularly on the female side, and promising potential for the boys moving forward,” she continued. 

Male Coach Kadeem Smith said that, looking at this year’s performance compared to 2024 and 2025, “the difference in experience within the male team was very evident. 

“With only one returning athlete, most of the team was new to this level of competition, and that showed in our overall placements,” he said. “However, I am proud of how they stepped up and competed, despite the challenge.”

Female Coach Roatter Johnson said that, in comparing this year’s female team to the 2024 and 2025 squads, she saw “clear improvement and maturity. 

“Having three returning athletes made a significant impact,” she said. “They brought leadership, experience, and a sense of belief that helped guide the rest of the team. 

“What makes me especially proud is how the returning athletes stepped up and helped elevate the entire team,” Johnson added. “This performance shows that we are not just participating anymore, we are competing and succeeding, and that is a major step forward for our athletic program.” 

In competing in the Penn Relays for the third consecutive and final year, athlete Uzariel Hodge said that it was “truly special” for her. 

“I’ve grown so much over the years, and to finish on such a high note makes it even more meaningful,” she said. “I am especially proud of our performance in the 4x400m, where everything came together for us as a team. 

“We trusted each other, stayed focused, and executed when it mattered most,” Hodge added. “Being part of this journey has been an honor, and I will always carry these memories with pride.” 

Zakari Thompson said it was an “exciting and eye-opening experience” in competing in the Penn Relays for the very first time. 

“Being on such a big stage showed me the level I needed to reach, and it motivated me to work even harder,” he said. “I know I still have two more years in high school, and I’m looking forward to growing, improving, and coming back stronger. 

“This experience has definitely pushed me to want more, and I’m excited for what the future holds,” Thompson added. 

Herbert said that one of the more meaningful parts of this initiative was exposing the athletes to educational opportunities in the United States. 

She disclosed that CEMSS students explored academic and athletic opportunities at two four-year institutions of higher learning.

Herbert said Dr. Esther Lawrence coordinated their visit to Stockton University in New Jersey, while Quandasha Huggins coordinated their visit to Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia. 

“These visits were an invaluable learning experience for our students,” Herbert said. “They were exposed to university life by touring classrooms, dormitories, cafeterias, athletic facilities, and engaging directly with faculty members and current students.”

She said the team also had the opportunity to train at Stockton University in preparation for competing at the Penn Relays. 

“Each year, we intentionally include university visits as a core part of the St. Kitts and Nevis Penn Relays initiative experience because we want our student-athletes to understand that their opportunities extend far beyond the track,” Herbert said. “We want them to see firsthand that higher education, scholarships, and future careers are within reach. 

“As their host and weekday driver while in Philadelphia, it was inspiring to witness the growth, discipline, maturity, and excitement of these young people throughout the week,” she added. “They represented their school, community, and country with excellence, and we are extremely proud of them.”