Coach Burke changing morals at Penwood

Physical education teacher and track and field coach Andre Burke is modifying troubled students at the West Central St Andrew-based Penwood High School through track and field.

Students at Penwood, situated in the violence-prone Olympic Gardens community, are unable to show their true sporting talents because of the volatile surroundings, which affect training for the various sports.

However, in only his second year at the institution, Burke, who taught physical education at Pembroke Hall High and Jamaica College, is seeking to change the moral compass.

"I am using track and field to help the students in curbing their behaviours and for them to be more self-disciplined," said Burke.

"The school is in a volatile area, and when anyone mentions the name of the school, the first thing people think about is violence because of what happens in the area. I am doing my best to make a difference here, and the best place to start is inside the school," he said.

Burke stated that he is starting to get results from his incentivised initiatives, as he looks forward to participating at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls' Athletics Championships (Champs) next year.

"I use incentives like giving them books and lunches to get involved in the sport as a form of motivation. It works well. The school did not enter Champs this past season because of problems with the entries, but definitely, we will be entering next year," he said.

Penwood travelled to the Penn Relays in Philadelphia, United States of America, earlier this year, and according to Burke, it has helped to garner more interest from the students for the programme, which he stated is being supported by the school community.

"For the first time, the school participated at the Penn Relays in Philadelphia, where six boys competed in the 4x100 and 4x400 metres relays. It was good for these boys to showcase their talents at the international level, and we are seeing a lot more students getting involved in the sport because of this, as they, along with their parents, see this as an opportunity for them to travel overseas," he said.

"I must say a big thanks to principal Omar Largie and the two female physical education teachers, Tanya Thompson and Shannakay Burrell, who are all working with me for the programme to be successful.

"Principal Largie ensures that these students are provided with meals and equipment for training purposes," said Burke, who also lauded the wider community members for the interest they have shown in the programme recently.

Penwood will host a 5K Run and Walk Road Race on November 26.

"We are doing this event to try to raise funds for the programme, and I am looking forward to a good turnout from people in and around the community to participate in this worthy cause," said Burke.