Rasbert Turner, Gleaner Writer

Olympic gold medallist Asafa Powell (right) views a portrait of himself that was unveiled during a homecoming tour at his alma mater, Charlemont High, in St Catherine yesterday. - Norman Grindley/Acting Photography Editor

Spanish Town, St Catherine:

A SEA of red and white poinsettias greeted former world record holder and Olympic gold medallist, Asafa Powell, as he arrived at his alma mater, Charlemont High School, in St Catherine for a homecoming tour yesterday.

Amid shouts of "Asafa, Asafa", the former Charlemont student was escorted to the school in a Benz sport utility vehicle, decorated with his image.

As Powell entered the red-carpet area of the school's auditorium, the chorus of "Asafa, our champion, we love you" continued.

Students paid several tributes to Powell and the school drama group and choir lent their voices to the proceedings.

Principal of the school, Ralph Williams, described the Olympian and the changing face of Charlemont as one who has brought sheer joy to the rural school.

"We want to thank you for all the good things that you have done for this institution and continue to do," he said. "I know that things will get better, as your career progresses."

Powell told The Gleaner that Charlemont was a very good school and that it had made him decide to go full time into athletics.

"There are so many good memories. However, I must thank Elaine Fraser for her discovery of my talent and I intend to run 9.64, as each season I plan my strategy on how fast I'll run."

Dr Henrietta Stewart (third right), principal of Vere Technical High School, poses with past students (from left) Aleen Bailey, Shereefa Lloyd, Mardrea Hyman, Veronica Campbell-Brown and Michael Blackwood during an Olympic homecoming tour at the school yesterday. - Photos by Rudolph Brown/Chief Photographer

Veronica Campbell-Brown (centre) is greeted by students at Vere Technical High during an Olympic homecoming tour of the Clarendon school yesterday.