Black Stars Matter
In December 2016, this writer received a flyer regarding Marquesha Ware, a determined TR Proctor student invited to represent New York State and our country in the Eastern Conference Track and Field team. She was given the honor to compete in Australia in the summer of 2017. Thanks to her family, friends, and her loving church family, Marquesha successfully raised the $6,000 that she needed to attend and headed “down under.”
At 15 years old and serious about ensuring a successful future in all her ways, she trained diligently to be able to compete in the 100 meter, 200 meter, 4 by 1 relay, and triple jump. This hard work proved to pay off since she made it to the finals and placed 4th overall in the triple jump.
Excited about her achievement, Marquesha will continue to train and depending on age requirements, will continue to raise funds for future trips and competitions, while making the 2024 Olympics her goal.
Marquesha said, “The experience has changed my life and has given me a strong desire to travel and see different countries.” She learned many things about Australia including, “It was winter but I could wear shorts,” she said. “They do not have .25 cent coin, their currency is worth more than ours, and everyone I met was very friendly.” She went on to say she loved the animals and was thrilled to hold a live Koala.
If this were not enough for this tenth grader, she is touring colleges with Young Scholars and continues to maintain her grades. No less than a B, with the goal of a medical degree in her future. She intends to attend Howard University in Washington D.C. upon graduation.
When she is not training or studying, Marquesha remains a loyal member of Deliverance First Ministries, under the leadership of Pastor Kathy Hughes, and Youth Pastor Jamina Lilley.
This writer and The Utica Phoenix will continue to support the amazing example Marquesha is providing for our community and local youth. She is the truest of examples of what we can do if we are willing to persevere and work hard. We look forward to updating our readers as we take this journey with her. We are honored and proud of her and pray she will achieve all that she sets out to do. Marquesha Ware is definitely a name to remember.
