The Center of Excellence and Education through Sport (CEES) hosted the second edition of its "Rising Talents" ceremony on Saturday, June 27, at the Grand Case Beach Club. The goal was to recognize student-athletes who excelled throughout the year academically, athletically, and civically.
Twenty-five awards were presented to 19 young people from the seven CEES disciplines, which currently supports 71 student-athletes. The most anticipated award, "Class Valedictorian 2025-2026," was presented to young cyclist Ashtan Benitez. Already recognized for his academic results, conduct, and athletic performance (Caribbean U17 Vice-Champion and Guadeloupe U17 Champion), he was praised for his excellence in all three areas.
Hosted by CEES Director Charles-Henry Palvair, the ceremony was an opportunity to reiterate the center's mission: to enable young people to balance academic success with athletic excellence. In her speech, interim Vice-Rector Fanny Giausseran emphasized the importance of supporting students in building their athletic and academic paths "beyond social, territorial, or family determinisms." Also present, Prefect Cyrille Le Vély praised the work of the young people and their coaches, reminding everyone that "a society that believes in its youth is a society that prepares its future."
The evening also served as an opportunity to thank the families, schools, and coaches, who are essential partners in the CEES educational project, whose mission is to identify, train, and develop the region's athletic talents.
Awards – CEES Rising Talents 2026
Athletics
Academic Excellence: Gaëlle Joseph
Civic Excellence: Maelia Abogdjinou
Athletic Excellence: Bianca Cabrera Parotte
Basketball
Academic Excellence: Kael Hanson
Civic Excellence: Ethan Berlanger
Athletic Excellence: Jonas Carty
Beach Tennis
Academic Excellence: Margot Brunel
Civic Excellence: Constant Monin
Athletic Excellence: Charlotte Claudel
Cycling
Academic Excellence: Ashtan Benitez
Civic Excellence: Ashtan Benitez
Athletic Excellence: Ashtan Benitez
Football
Academic Excellence: Ylann Romney
Civic Excellence: Akeelah Hunkins
Athletic Excellence: Akeelah Hunkins
Gymnastics
Academic Excellence: Chanel Rousseaux
Civic Excellence: Na’Omy Lejeune Charbonnier
Sports Excellence: Chanel Rousseaux
Tennis
Academic Excellence: Oscar Juhel
Civic Excellence: Noah Visnelda
Sports Excellence: Noah Visnelda
Sailing
Academic Excellence: Adam Gumbs
Civic Excellence: Saul Claus Laroche
Sports Excellence: Clément Lenormand
Top Student: Ashtan Benitez
Source: Faxinfo
