AFESHA  OLTON

Afesha Olton is one of the rising stars of Five Rivers Government Secondary School. She is a talented all-rounder, a gifted athlete who excels both on the sports field and in the classroom. Currently in form four, Afesha’s choice of subjects reflects her multi- talented personality: she is pursuing Physical Education as well as Principals of Business.

Afesha lives with both her parents, 3 brothers and 1 sister in Arima. Life for this family was not very easy, for they faced some hard times. They did not allow these hard times to hinder them, though; as they knew  the hard times would not last forever.

Her love for sports started at home, playing with her family members. Her favorite sport is cricket, and naturally, she admires Brian Lara. At Malabar R .C. School, she was selected to play for the school’s cricket team. Even though the team lost at times, her primary school teacher was always there, guiding and supporting her  team efforts on the cricket field as well as in her school work. At Five Rivers Government Secondary ('Rivers') Afesha has blossomed into a well-rounded student who represents the school in music (she plays the clarinet in the school’s orchestra), volley ball, net ball and Aerobics.

Her best friend, Shivani, initially encouraged her to play netball, but when she wanted to quit (because of personal reasons), it is the support and the encouragement of the P. E teacher, Mrs. King that caused her to continue playing. Afesha won the schools Aerobic Marathon Competition in 2006, beating 50 competitors. She represented the school in the H. C. L Junior Aerobics Competition in 2004, 2005, 2006 (where her team placed 4th), and 2007 where they placed 3rd. Afesha modestly states that success was not all her effort, but a team achievement.

This athlete is also good in the classroom, having achieved many certificates for academics excellence from  Forms1 to 4. She hopes to become a teacher one day, but if this does not work out, her plan b is to become a soldier. Afesha feels very happy when she makes her school proud, as she wants everyone to know that not all young people are doing wrong things. Even though she takes part in so many activities, Afesha remains a very shy young girl, focused on her goals.