The Purple House of the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School (ALHCS) has duly honoured a number of its special outstanding athletes in recognition of their great performance and service to Purple House in inter-house athletics and sports. This took place last Saturday evening, 20th June, 2015 at the ALHCS Athlete Appreciation Dinner which was hosted at the Flavours Restaurant, La Vue.
On this grand occasion, the Purple House honourees, soon completing their final year of study at ALHCS, were described as ‘soldiers’ who served for their house – heroic, selfless athletes who went above and beyond the call of duty. These all-round athletes are held in high esteem by teachers and students of Purple House having achieved much success in track and field, road races, football, basketball, cricket, volleyball, netball, cheerleading and other inter-house competitions while representing their house.
The prestigious “Medal of Honour” was awarded to each of Alrique Rogers, Germain Hughes and Kasem Thompson for seven years of service, 2008 through 2015, while the “Distinguished Service Cross” was awarded to each of Artesha Richardson, Jovecia Davis and Stephan Fiedtkou who served for five years, 2010 through 2015. The awards, presented by ALHCS principal, Mrs. Ingrid Lake, share their names with the highest and second-highest US military honours, respectively.
The executive of Purple House also awarded the “Distinguished Unit Citation” to the Purple House football team that achieved the historic feat of winning the Anguilla Football Association ALHCS Inter-house Football Competition each and every year while its members were in school (2008 – 2015). This talented and dedicated group of footballers demonstrated great skill, discipline and teamwork, along with remarkable consistency which led to the team’s great success. As well, it provided great entertainment in many exciting games for the fans.
In its ultimate game, the 2014 competition final, the Purple House team conceded a very late goal, yet somehow managed to achieve what seemed near impossible. Just when all hope appeared to be lost, staring in the face of defeat, and with merely seconds left on the clock, these heroes dug deep to come from behind, and scored, sending the match into extra-time. Here, the team scored again and defeated Pink House by a score of 2-1 at the Raymond E. Guishard Technical Centre, winning the competition, extending its victorious run to seven consecutive years and cementing its inter-house footballing legacy.
Royal athletes, the teachers and students of Purple House are indeed grateful for your great contribution over the years. You have left your mark and will truly be missed. We wish each of you great success in your future endeavours. ROYAL AND PROUD.
– Contributed
