Shelly-Ann Fraser

STILL ON a high from the performance of Shelly-Ann Fraser at the Olympics in Beijing, China, the congregation of her Penwood Church of Christ in Waterhouse, St Andrew, yesterday recognised the achievements of another of its worshippers.

Seventeen-year-old Chelsea Wallace, a student of Immaculate Conception High School, was congratulated on gaining nine distinctions in her Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations.

Though she resides in the St Catherine community of Lauriston, Wallace is no stranger to Waterhouse, as both her parents were born and raised in the area. The Penwood church, which Fraser attended since she was 12 years old, is also located in Waterhouse.

Fraser's win an inspiration

She said Fraser's gold medal victory at the Olympics has inspired her and the entire community.

The sprinter became the first woman in Jamaican history to win gold in the 100 metres at the Olympic Games.

"I am happy to see someone from this community making such great strides. I've grown up here and I think Shelly-Ann's achievement will help us to move ourselves forward," she told The Gleaner.

Wallace copped distinctions in mathematics, English language, English literature, physics, geography, information technology, biology, French and Spanish.

The bubbly teen confessed that it wasn't an easy feat.

"There were sometimes a whole lot of people around saying stuff that conflicted with what I believe in and even saying bad things about me," she said.

"Studying for exams wasn't easy. I went through a lot, but God has been there with me, so I am really happy."

Growth in penwood

Wallace plans to move on to sixth form, where she will study English literature, geography, biology, sociology and communications studies.

Evangelist Lennox Durrant yesterday told the congregation: "The Olympics had its closing show this morning, but Penwood continues to glow and for that we give God the praise."