SPORTS WRAP
STORY & PHOTOS BY WILLIAM HATHAWAY, JR.
This past week the Orange School District honored students at the end of season sports awards banquet dinner on June 6 at Lincoln Avenue School.
Students at Lincoln Avenue School were honored in a dance ensemble awards presentation. Among those awarded were members of the softball and cheerleading squads as well as the 6th and 7th grade junior varsity basketball and varsity basketball.
This awards ceremony is an annual event at Lincoln Avenue School according to event coordinator Michelle Davis, who said, “I have been the cheerleading coach for about eight years and working for the distinct for 21 years. I think it builds sportsmanship. It feels good to honor students in their accomplishments.”
The grades in cheerleading that were honored ranged from 2nd grade up.
Head basketball coach Mike Lewis talked about his team’s accomplishment at this year’s event. Each student received a certificate and a trophy for their accomplishments. Parent and coach Mrs. Jourdanne Cox said of the event, “It was awesome and I had a great experience.”
Principal Patrick Yearwood opened the awards event at the school, with dedicated staff and parents there showing their support.
One June 7, the Orange Public Schools, Orange Recreation Department and the City of Orange hosted their annual partnership tennis tournament for the Orange Public School District. The event celebrating Orange Week was held at the Orange High School gym, where parents and teachers cheered on competitors from 4th grade through 8th grade.
Tennis coordinator Jacob Warta was one the event coordinators of this year’s event. Also in attendance was Michelle Curry from the Althea Gibson Foundation, who was excited about the event and the 75th anniversary of the United States Open tennis major.
Orange recreational tennis coach Jean Szpara and Joyce Gibson, both former Tennis champions from Guyana and sisters, started playing tennis at 13. The sisters agreed that tennis is very good for the kids and builds confidence and leadership skills. Szpara even gave a tennis demonstration to the crowd.
Barry Devone, community engagement officer of the Orange Public Schools said the purpose was to build tennis skills, lifelong skills and wellness during Orange Week, which started back in 2014.
4th – 5th Grade Winners
- 1st place – Kyzer Elamin of Park Ave.
- 2nd place – Melvin Anaba of Forest
- 3rd place – Yordanos Begashaw of Forest
6th – 7th Grade Winners
- 1st place – Yadira Dolores of Forest
- 2nd place – Jaylah Campbell of Forest
- 3rd place – Amelia Bamisaye of Forest
