The 14th graduate of the Anguilla Tennis Academy (ATA) programme has received an overseas tennis athletic scholarship. A proud graduate of the ATA Ms. Jharia Webster will commence her studies at Savannah State University in the Fall of 2023.
A ceremony to celebrate Jharia Websters’ tennis journey was held at the ATA on Monday 5th June, 2023. It was kept lively by the energy of the Master of Ceremony the Honorable Island wide Elected Member Mr. Jose Vanterpool.
Agenda items included Opening Remarks by Mrs. Keesha Fleming Lake and a heartfelt prayer by Mrs. Evalie Bradley. She extended God’s blessings and her gratitude to the ATA for the socio-economic impact and positive difference it is making on the lives of the children of Anguilla.
“ We’re so excited about Jharia joining our programme! She will definitely have an immediate impact and give us the depth that we didn’t have last year,” tennis coach of Savannah State University Chuck Keenan stated. “ Thanks to Coach Mitch for connecting us. ‘Tell them we are rising’. Go Tigers!!“
Other special tributes came from Alexander Fleming Lake and ATA college alumni.
Music entertainer, Vere Connor performed a moving song, “ Butterfly” by Gramps Morgan during Jharia’s signing of the National Letter of Intent. The signing was witnessed by Mr. Mitchelle Lake, Founder of the ATA. Immediately after the signing, Jharia was presented with a personalized poster-size photograph from the coaching staff of the ATA for her safe keeping.
Founder and President of the Anguilla Tennis Academy Mr. Mitchelle Lake, thanked Jharia and her parents for trusting him and the ATA coaches – Tristin Rogers, Shridath Rey, Vallan Hodge-Richardson, George Richards, and Calyde Hughes for their countless hours of training Jharia and their commitment and dedication to the ATA and the children of Anguilla.
He also extended his gratitude to parents for supporting the mission of the ATA and the many sponsors over the 28 years of operation that have contributed in making the ATA a successful story and a symbol of national pride.
Mr. Lake also noted that the institution bears the name of Anguilla and for that reason it is incumbent on Anguillians at home and abroad to support its efforts so that future generations can receive similar opportunities.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Jose Vanterpool congratulated Jharia on achieving such a significant milestone and praised Mitchelle (Mitch) Lake and the ATA for the outstanding work they are doing to transform the island socially.
He also commended Mitch Lake for the financial impact he has made to parents via scholarships and by extension, Anguilla through the ATA, saving families in excess of US$1.3 million to date.
The ceremony culminated with a vote of thanks by Mrs. Keesha Fleming Lake. She congratulated Jharia Webster and her parents and thanked everyone for their support, including Pink Mako and photographer Jamal Gumbs, Titanium Sound and the many volunteers that helped to make this special event a success.
Jharia sincerely thanked all the ATA coaches, her training partner Rhonica Connor and her family for their unwavering support over the past year.
“As I prepare to embark on this new chapter at Savannah State University, I carry with me the excitement of independence, the eagerness to explore new horizons, and the anticipation of forming new friendships and bonds,” Jharia said. “College life holds countless opportunities for my personal and academic growth, and I am determined to make the most of each one. I promise to represent Anguilla and the Anguilla Tennis Academy with honor and integrity, both on and off the tennis court. “
