Red House Takes the Lead in EPPS Athletics

The vibrant energy of inter-house athletic rivalry filled the air at Elizabeth Pemberton Primary School on Thursday, January 30th, 2025, as students laced up their running shoes for the annual cross-country event. The competition, a highlight of the school’s athletic calendar, saw students from all houses – Red, Green, and Gold – vying for top honors across four separate races, categorized by age and gender: junior girls, junior boys, senior girls, and senior boys. The carefully planned routes traversed the scenic landscapes surrounding the school, incorporating familiar landmarks within the village and offering varying challenges depending on the age group. The air vibrated with anticipation as the starting pistol echoed, sending the runners on their respective journeys.

The junior races, designed for the younger participants, followed a shorter, more contained route. Beginning and ending at the school grounds, the young runners navigated a course that looped through the heart of the village, passing by the iconic Montpelier Hotel before returning to the cheering crowds at their starting point. This route provided a manageable challenge for the younger athletes while still offering a taste of the competitive spirit and the thrill of cross-country running. The senior races, on the other hand, demanded greater endurance and stamina. The senior girls embarked on their run from Beaumont, a location strategically chosen to extend the course and test their resilience. Their route weaved through the Cox area, also taking them past the Montpelier Hotel before culminating back at the school.

The senior boys faced the most demanding course, their starting point positioned even further up the road near Lucina Chapman’s shop. This extended distance pushed the boys to their limits, demanding not only physical prowess but also strategic pacing and mental fortitude. The varying distances and landscapes for each race ensured a fair and engaging competition across all age groups and genders, highlighting the diverse talents and athletic abilities of the student body. The atmosphere crackled with excitement as parents, teachers, and fellow students lined the routes, offering encouragement and cheers to the determined runners.

As the races concluded and the dust settled, the results revealed a mix of familiar names and emerging talents. In the junior girls’ race, Kamaya Allen secured the top spot, followed by Jerdiah Webbe in second and Rodricka Robinson in third place. Among the junior boys, Jermar Royer emerged victorious, with Kervin Liburd taking second and Jabez Greene finishing third. The senior girls’ competition saw Roxana Labrada clinch the first-place finish, followed by Antonia Remie and Kareena Samlall in second and third place, respectively. Finally, in the highly anticipated senior boys’ race, Dhillon Elliott claimed the top spot, followed by K’shard Burton and Aaden Brandy in second and third place.

Beyond individual achievements, the cross-country event was a celebration of house spirit and collective effort. Each runner contributed points to their respective houses, culminating in an overall house ranking that reflected not only individual victories but also the combined performance of its members. This element of inter-house competition added another layer of excitement to the day, fostering a sense of camaraderie and friendly rivalry among the students. The final points tally revealed Red House as the overall champions, accumulating a commendable 448 points. Green House trailed closely behind with 412 points, securing the second-place position, while Gold House finished with 375 points.

The annual cross-country runs at Elizabeth Pemberton Primary School served as more than just an athletic competition; it was a testament to the school’s commitment to fostering a holistic learning environment. The event promoted physical fitness, instilled values of sportsmanship and perseverance, and fostered a strong sense of community among students, teachers, and parents alike. The cheers, the camaraderie, the individual triumphs, and the collective house spirit all contributed to a memorable day, further solidifying the cross-country runs as a cherished tradition within the school community. The event’s success underscored the importance of extracurricular activities in enriching the educational experience, providing students with opportunities to develop valuable skills and create lasting memories beyond the classroom.