Salute To Seniors: Jayanne Forrest - Fort Lauderdale HS


The 2017-2018 school year has provided some great highlights in both cross country and track across the Sunshine State. In the coming weeks many of our seniors will head out to start their college careers both athletically and academically. We wanted to salute them one more time in this special feature and say thank you for your support over the years.

Today we salute Fort Lauderdale HS senior Jayanne Forrest.

What was your most memorable race/moment?

Learning high jump this year and clearing my personal record height this year at the Cardinal Gibbons meet. 

Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
 
Myself. I had to conquer several fears, put aside certain habits, and persevere in order to make it through the seasons and be successful in my events. 

What was your greatest accomplishment?

Placing in our district competition my junior year. 

If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school? 
I would get the most out of it by keeping my body in shape throughout the summers between each year. I would also have started a specific focus on my events freshman year and not stray. 

What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome

There were issues with my technique from dancing all my life that prevented me from performing my best in the jumps because they just made created bad habits. However, the most difficult obstacle was  participating in multiple extra curricular activities such as captaining the debate team, owning my own company, and being a member of National Honor Society.  

What will you miss the most?  

I will miss my team the most. Those girls really pushed me through so many hard times and became a family to me. 

What advice you would give to younger athletes?

Go after what you love, no matter how difficult. Find your passion, and pursue it until you are satisfied with your best effort.

What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?

My coaches have been great mentors and friends to me. They have influenced my performance by being understanding and forcing me to do my best even when I had doubts. They have influenced my life goals by encouraging me to continue being me. 

What are your college plans? 

I will be attending Columbia University in the fall to study Biochemistry with a minor in African American studies. After I earn my bachelor's degree I will go to medical school to become a Pediatrician. My long term goal is to open a children's hospital to subsidize health care for lower-income families.  

Who would you like to say thank you to?

I would like to say thank you to God, my family, my coaches (shout out Coach Jackson, Coach Mckinzie, Coach Josh, and Coach Jarell). I would like a special shout out to my aunt Latoyia Hinds-Brown who was a very successful track and field of athlete on the secondary and post secondary level, and lastly my friends who listened to me complain all the time. 

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

I love being Jamaican. 

Seniors, don't be left out! Submit your Salute to Seniors answers to Todd.Grasley@flosports.tv and be featured on the site!