GRAND BAHAMA, The Bahamas — Day two of Jonquel Jones’ celebration tour on Grand Bahama was centered around visiting a number of schools and did not disappoint as students, staff, administration and even parents pulled out all the stops to welcome the 2024 WNBA New York Liberty Champion and Most Valuable Player (MVP).
The Holmes Rock native was escorted by officials from the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture and Ministry of Education and was inundated with love during the special school assemblies on Friday, November 15, 2024.
Jones, who was accompanied by her father, team members, executives of the New York Liberty organization and other family members, was showered with gifts, from school memorabilia to personal effects, lots of cheers, chants, steps and serenaded with songs, poetry and dance.
Her first stop was Hugh Campbell Primary School, where she spent her early years.
The staff honoured the former Hornet by wearing special Tees bearing Jones’ name and jersey number (35) and the excited students put on a performance that will go down in the history books as will that of Tabernacle Baptist Academy, St. Georges High Gymnasium and Eight Mile Rock High Gymnasium.
Jones expressed how proud she was to be back home, thanked the students for the warm welcome and taking time out to make her visit so memorable.
The WNBA star, who was amazed at the talent displayed, pointed out to the students that she was once a student at their very school where her dreams all started and encouraged them to always dream big.
“You all have everything that you all need to be successful right here in The Bahamas so just continue striving for greatness. Everything starts in the mind; if you believe you can do it in your mind, you could go out there and get it done and be successful,” she said.
Later that evening, the Ministry for Grand Bahama hosted Jones and her teammates at a cocktail reception at The Grand Lucayan Resort.
The final leg of the victory tour culminated with a motorcade through the streets of Grand Bahama on Saturday, November 16, 2024 beginning at the Grand Bahama Sports Complex.
