Former Vere Technical athlete Lenroy Raffington was recently honoured in New York.
Raffington, now a teacher and head track and field coach at Hempstead High School in Long Island, New York, was recognized for his significant contributions to the Hempstead community.
The recognition came from the Hempstead Public School Cultural Advisory Board.
Raffington told TrackAlerts.com that he was fortunate to be given the chance to work with the students of Hempstead High School over the years.
The Jamaican said his relationship with the Hempstead Community began after he graduated from the New York Institute of Technology.
Raffington said he started the track and field programme at Hempstead High School with one girl.
He further added that the programme has blossomed into one of the most recognized and decorated programmes in the entire northeast.
Hempstead High School has produced a national high school championship relays, two national championship runner up, 39 high school all American, 79 all state athletes and a Nassau county team championship.
Over the years approximately 98% of student athletes have graduated on time and have gone on to attend colleges such as Louisiana State University, University of South Carolina, Arizona State University and Lincoln University.
Graduates Jeavon Benjamin (Arizona State), Racquel Anderson (Lincoln University) and Charlene Lipsey ( Louisiana State University) went on to become collegiate All American and win National Championships.
Lipsey recently become the Hempstead High School first female professional track athlete when she signed with Adidas Sports.
