The Centre for Excellence and Education through Sport (CEES) organized the second edition of its "Rising Talents" ceremony on Saturday, June 27th at the Grand Case Beach Club. The objective: to reward student-athletes who have distinguished themselves throughout the year in academic, athletic, and civic terms.
Twenty-five awards were presented to 19 young people from the seven disciplines of the CEES, which currently supports 71 student-athletes. The most anticipated award, that of "valedictorian of the 2025-2026 class," was given to young cyclist Ashtan Benitez. Already recognized for his academic results, conduct, and athletic achievements (Caribbean U17 vice-champion and Guadeloupe U17 champion), he was praised for his excellence in all three areas.
Led by CEES Director Charles-Henry Palvair, the ceremony served as a reminder of the center's mission: to enable young people to combine academic success with athletic excellence. In her address, Acting Vice-Rector Fanny Giausseran emphasized the importance of supporting students in building their athletic and academic paths "beyond social, territorial, or familial constraints." Also present, Prefect Cyrille Le Vély commended the work of the young athletes and their coaches, noting that "a society that believes in its youth is a society that prepares for its future."
The evening also provided an opportunity to thank the families, schools, and coaches, essential partners in the CEES educational project, whose mission is to identify, train, and develop the region's sporting talent. _DR
Awards – CEES Rising Talents 2026
Athletics
Academic excellence: Gaëlle Joseph
Citizen Excellence: Maelia Abogdjinou
Sports excellence: Bianca Cabrera Parotte
Basketball
Academic Excellence: Kael Hanson
Citizen Excellence: Ethan Berlanger
Sports excellence: Jonas Carty
Beach Tennis
Academic excellence: Margot Brunel
Citizen Excellence: Constant Monin
Sports excellence: Charlotte Claudel
Cycling
Academic Excellence: Ashtan Benitez
Citizen Excellence: Ashtan Benitez
Sports excellence: Ashtan Benitez
Football
Academic Excellence: Ylann Romney
Citizen Excellence: Akeelah Hunkins
Sports excellence: Akeelah Hunkins
Gymnastics
Academic Excellence: Chanel Rousseaux
Citizen Excellence: Na'Omy Lejeune Charbonnier
Sporting excellence: Chanel Rousseaux
Tennis
Academic excellence: Oscar Juhel
Citizen Excellence: Noah Visnelda
Sports excellence: Noah Visnelda
Sailing
Academic excellence: Adam Gumbs
Citizen Excellence: Saul Claus Laroche
Sporting excellence: Clément Lenormand
Valedictorian: Ashtan Benitez
