FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Anthony Puglisi
October 25, 2012 973-621-2542
Lauren Shears
973-621-1590
ESSEX COUNTY EXECUTIVE DIVINCENZO AND
ESSEX COUNTY COLLEGE PRESIDENT ABDULLAH
HONOR ECC GRADUATES WHO COMPETED IN LONDON OLYMPICS
Alumni Represented Bahamas, Jamaica, Grenada, Puerto Rico and Senegal;
Three Earned Medals in Track and Field Events
Newark, NJ – Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. and Essex County College President Edythe Abdullah honored four of the 11 Essex County College graduates and current students who competed in this summer’s Olympic Games in London on Thursday, October 25th. Three members of the ECC contingent won medals in track and field events. It was the second consecutive Olympics in which 11 athletes from the College competed.
“When they were student-athletes at Essex County College, we applauded them for the All-American and national championship honors they brought to the school. We are even more proud of their hard work and commitment to reach the Olympics and compete against the world’s best. These athletes embody the Olympic spirit of friendly competition and have been inspirational ambassadors for their school, County and Country,” DiVincenzo said. “It doesn’t surprise me to have 11 members of our Essex County family reach such a high degree of success. It is a testament to the nurturing and supportive environment at Essex County College that encourages students to excel. We congratulate President Abdullah and the College for preparing our students for success, whether it is on an athletic field or other career,” he added.
“With its count of 11 current and former students competing in the 2012 Olympics, Essex County College had the most track athletes participating than any community college in the country,” ECC President Abdullah said. “We are so proud of the accomplishments of our athletes. Each of them received a world-class education at Essex County College, moved on to a four-year college, and are now among the world’s best athletes. They are truly role models for our current students and an inspiration for our potential students,” she added.
“Every person you see here had to mature as an athlete and complete their studies in two years. Each of them went on to universities that are highly ranked academically and athletically,” Essex County College Track Coach Michael Smart said. “What’s great about this year is we had four new people compete in the Olympics, which keeps our history going,” he added.
“Congratulations to all the athletes. You have brought a great deal of attention to Essex County and our college. It was terrific to watch you compete,” Sheriff Armando Fontoura said.
“You have all made us very proud by lighting the torch for our school and county,” Essex County College President Emeritus A. Zachary Yamba said. “By your presence and the way you carried yourself, you have made us all grateful. This recognition is well deserved,” he added.
Being recognized were Demetrius Pinder (2012 Gold Medalist), who competed on the Bahamian national team; Kanika Beckles and Joel Redhead, who competed on Grenada’s national team; and Moussa Dembele, who competed on Senegal’s national team.
The Olympic alumni are currently attending a four-year college and/or training in Alabama, Texas, Florida or their home country. Alumni unable to attend today’s ceremony include: Kerron Stewart (2012 Silver Medalist), Novlene Williams-Mills (2012 Bronze Medalist), Melaine Walker, Korine Hinds, Riker Hylton and Kenia Sinclair, who competed on Jamaica’s national team; and Enrique Llanos, who competed on Puerto Rico’s national team.
Demetrius Pinder (Bahamas) graduated from Essex County College in 2009. In London, he competed in the men’s 4x400 meter relay and the 400 meter dash, and earned a Gold Medal in the men’s 4x400 meter relay with a time of 2:56.72. Other track accolades include being a two-time All American in the 200 meter dash and a National Champion in the 400 meter dash. After ECC, he graduated from Texas A&M University. “Coach Smart made me the man I am and the ECC teachers and staff really helped me focus and prepare for my life,” Pinder said.
Kerron Stewart (Jamaica) graduated from Essex County College in 2005. In London, she competed in the women’s 4x100 meter relay and the 100 meter dash, and earned a Silver Medal in the women’s 4x100 meter relay with a time of 41.41. Other track accolades include winning Silver and Bronze Medals in the Beijing Olympics, and being a National Champion and three-time All American. After ECC, she graduated from Auburn University.
Novlene Williams-Mills (Jamaica) graduated from Essex County College in 2002. In London, she competed in the women’s 4x400 meter relay and the 400 meter dash, and earned a Bronze Medal in the women’s 4x400 meter relay with a time of 3:20.95. Other track accolades include winning Bronze Medals in the women’s 4x400 meter relay in the Beijing and Athens Olympics, and being a two-time National Champion and three-time All American. After ECC, she graduated from the University of Florida.
Korine Hinds (Jamaica) graduated from Essex County College in 1998. In London, she competed in the women’s 3,000 meter steeplechase. Other track accolades include competing in the Beijing Olympics and being a four-time National Champion and four-time All American. After ECC, she graduated from Kansas State University.
Riker Hylton (Jamaica) graduated from Essex County College in 2010. In London, he competed in the men’s 4x400 meter relay. Other track accolades include being a National Champion. After ECC, he currently is enrolled at Louisiana State University.
Kenia Sinclair (Jamaica) graduated from Essex County College in 2001. In London, she competed in the 800 meter run. Other track accolades include competing in the Beijing Olympics and being a 12-time All-American. After ECC, she graduated from Seton Hall University.
Melaine Walker (Jamaica) graduated from Essex County College in 2004. In London, she competed in the women’s 400 meter hurdles. Other track accolades include winning a Gold Medal in the 400 meter hurdles in the Beijing Olympics and the World Championships in 2009, and being a two-time National Champion and eight-time All American. After ECC, she graduated from the University of Texas.
Kanika Beckles (Grenada) graduated from Essex County College in 2011. In London, she competed in the women’s 400 meter dash. Other track accolades include being a three-time All American. After ECC, she currently is enrolled at Texas A&M University. “It was very challenging for me to come to Essex County College. I had to adapt to everything,” Beckles said. “Coach Smart helped me overcome a lot of obstacles and helped me achieve one of my goals, which was to complete in the Olympics. Essex County College gave me my foundation,” she added.
Joel Redhead (Grenada) graduated from Essex County College in 2007. In London, he competed in men’s 200 meter dash. After ECC, he attended Bethune-Cookman University in Florida. “Coach Smart was very demanding, but after I left ECC I understood what he was doing,” Redhead said. “He helped me prepare for challenges in my life and has always been there as my coach,” he added.
Enrique Llanos (Puerto Rico) graduated from Essex County College in 2002. In London, he competed in the men’s 110 meter hurdles.
Moussa Dembele (Senegal) is currently enrolled at Essex County College. In London, he completed in the men’s 110 meter hurdles. He is a member of the Central Park Track Club. “Coach Smart and Essex County College made my dream of making the Olympics a reality. I am thankful to them for helping me get to the next level,” Dembele said.
In 2008, Essex County College also had 11 alumni or current students compete in the Beijing Olympics. 2012 marks the second time that Essex County College ranked first among U.S. community colleges for having the most track athletes participating in the Olympics. The celebration at the Hall of Records is part of the County Executive’s initiative to recognize the diversity of Essex County as well as to highlight the achievements of residents and students.