Kylla Herbert, coordinator of the St. Kitts and Nevis Penn Relays Initiative, welcomed back athletes from the Charles E. Mills Secondary School (CEMSS) in St. Kitts to the Penn Relays at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.
“We are elated to welcome back the student athletes of Charles E. Mills Secondary School (CEMSS) as they prepare to represent St. Kitts and Nevis at the prestigious Penn Relays Track and Field Carnival from April 23 to April 25, 2026,” the New Jersey-based Herbert told Caribbean Life on Tuesday, April 14. In 2026, CEMSS earned its place as the nine-time consecutive winners of the St. Kitts and Nevis Interschool Championships.
“In 2025, the Charles E Mills Secondary School made a powerful impression at the Penn Relays,” she added. She stated that the 2025 CEMSS boys 4x400m relay team placed 1st in their heats. The girls’ 4x100m relay team placed 2nd in their heats.
Herbert said that in the 2025 Penn Relays, CEMSS’s Jaheem Clarke competed in the Javelin throw championships, placing 9th and throwing a personal best distance of 55.56.
“Their athletes demonstrated discipline, resilience, and national pride on one of the world’s most recognized track and field stages,” she said. She added that beyond competition, their presence inspired the Caribbean Diaspora and showcased talent from St Kitts and Nevis. That experience has fueled greater determination heading into 2026.
“This year, we are expecting an even stronger showing,” Herbert added. “With a 15-member contingent — 11 student-athletes and four dedicated staff — CEMSS is ready to compete at a higher level and continue building its legacy.”
She said CEMSS’s staff will include manager Niketa Isles, and coaches Roatter Johnson, Kadeem Smith, and Arnelle Williams.
The student athletes are Geniece Douglas, Chedelcia Dasent, Arianna Francis, Uzariel Hodge, Shea-Nirah Samuel, Naseem Gerald, Shavaughn Jules, Zakari Thompson, Tahvion Carty, Jasano Henderson, and Eren Fyfield.
“Notably, seven of these athletes are graduating seniors. This opportunity is about more than racing — it is about exposure, education, and opening doors to collegiate pathways in the United States,” Herbert said.
“Through a collaborative partnership between the South Jersey Caribbean Cultural Development Organization (SJCCDO), the Sandy Point Benevolent Society (SPBS), and several volunteers, we are working diligently to support the team during their stay,” she added. “Our efforts include providing ground transportation, meals, and hotel accommodations, as well as organizing visits to US colleges and universities to give these students a firsthand look at their future possibilities.
“This St. Kitts and Nevis Penn Relays initiative shows the power of community — uniting the Caribbean at home and abroad to uplift our youth through sports, education, and cultural pride,” Herbert continued. However, she stressed that they still need the public’s support. Donations are essential to ensuring these students have a safe, enriching, and successful experience.
For more information, call 856-580-0178. GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-spbs-send-the-cemss-eagles-to-the-2026-penn-relays.
Bernardo Phipps, from Cayon, St. Kitts, a former Division 1 athlete, said: “Seeing the young athletes of St. Kitts and Nevis compete at the Penn Relays is a source of great pride for our nation.
“For a small country with so much talent, opportunities like this mean more than sport alone,” he said. “They give our young people exposure, confidence, discipline, and a chance to see how far their ability can take them.”
Alrick Warner said, “As a proud citizen of St. Kitts and Nevis, it fills me with pride to see our high school athletes step onto the track at the Penn Relays. This is not just a competition; it is a global stage.
“For our young people from the Charles E. Mills Secondary School to experience the energy of Franklin Field, shoulder-to-shoulder with the best in the world, is an opportunity that shapes character and ambition,” she said. “It shows them that their dreams have no boundaries.”
“Reflecting on last year’s Penn Relays, our SKN contingent of student-athletes performed with tremendous heart,” she added. “While medals are always a goal, the overall trip was a resounding success. Our student-athletes conducted themselves with discipline and sportsmanship, representing the Federation exceptionally well.
More importantly, they gained invaluable experience — the kind that cannot be taught in practice alone. The exposure to that level of competition and the camaraderie built during the journey were victories in their own right.”
Niketa Isles, CEMSS manager, said Penn Relays 2025 was “a great experience for our team.
“We met expectations, especially with our male relay teams. They delivered outstanding performances and captured gold in their 4x400m heats,” she said. “Despite an unfortunate injury in the female 4x400m, our girls showed resilience and determination. They regrouped and competed in the Caribbean 4x100m finals, which was a commendable achievement.
“Beyond the results, the discipline, teamwork, and growth displayed by our athletes truly stood out,” Isles added. “These experiences continue to shape them both on and off the track.
“As we look to 2026, we are focused on improving performances, building on our strengths, and strengthening relationships with teams from other countries,” she continued. “We remain committed to developing our athletes and representing our school and country with pride.”
Uzariel Hodge, student athlete, said, “Having competed at Penn Relays in 2024 and 2025, I can say each year brings something special.
“Penns 2025 was an amazing experience for my teammates and me,” she said. “One of the biggest highlights was seeing our team push through adversity, especially the girls stepping up after the 4x400m setback to still make it to the Caribbean 4x100m finals. That moment really showed our determination and team spirit.
“With 2026 being my final year, I am really looking forward to giving my best performance and finishing strong,” Hodge added. “Penn Relays has helped me grow as an athlete and as a person. I am proud to represent my school and country on such a big stage.”
Shea-Nirah Lewis, another student athlete, said: “I am excited for Penn Relays 2026 as it will be my first time competing at this level. Watching my teammates compete in 2024 and 2025 has motivated me to work harder and prepare for the opportunity.
“I have not experienced it yet, but I already feel a sense of pride being part of the team,” Lewis added. “I am looking forward to the atmosphere, the competition, and the chance to represent my school and country. My goal is to learn as much as I can, give my best effort, and make a positive contribution to the team.”
