Hibbert awards scholarships to five KC students

WORLD Under-20 triple jump record holder Jaydon Hibbert has established the Leaps and Bounds Foundation to support the education of students at Kingston College, his alma mater.

Jaydon presented a cheque worth $780,000 to Kingston College Principal Dave Myrieat an event held at the campus on Thursday.

The scholarships were given to five students, valued at $156,000 each, and will cover their tuition fees, books, and other expenses for a full academic year.

Among the scholarship recipients are Aaron Mckenzie and Daquan Dawkins, both jumpers who competed at the Issa/gracekennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships at which Kingston College won its 35th title. The other scholarship recipients are second-form students Jehu Green, Joshua Lewin, and Ricadeen Wilkins.

Hibbert, the first Jamaican and the youngest ever to be awarded the highest US collegiate honour, The Bowerman, lauded Kingston College for instilling the value of giving back.

“The act of giving back was instilled in me during my time at Kingston College so now the Leaps and Bounds Foundation is committed to maximising the potential of the youth here with the focus of providing scholarships annually,” he said.

Hibbert, who went undefeated throughout the 2023 collegiate season — breaking decades-old records in the process — shared words of encouragement with the recipients.

“To all recipients: ‘I encourage you to stay focused, stay humble and stay thankful,’ “he said. “‘I believe in your future and your personal growth here at this great institution.’ ”

Myrie commended Hibbert for making the scholarships available to students beyond the athletic community.

“While some may choose to support the athletic community only, he has extended his scholarships to other students — and for that, I must commend Jaydon,” Myrie said. “During his time at Kingston College he excelled academically, achieving distinctions in various subjects, including French. We take pride in his achievements.”

Hibbert, who is under professional contract with Puma, took the opportunity to thank the brand.

“I want to thank Puma for investing in me and my foundation, and I hope to do this annually with their continued support,” he said.

Jaydon Hibbert (second left) shares a moment with three Kingston College scholarship recipients, Ricadeen Wilkins (third left), Jehu Green (third right) and Joshua Lewin (second right), while Principal Dave Myrie (right) and Hibbert’s mentor Ricky Martin look on at a presentation ceremony at the school on Thursday.