It is one of the most unjust ironies of the Coronavirus epidemic. No, it wasn’t a matter of life or death as sadly many situations dealing with COVID-19 has become. It didn’t even have an economic impact. What it did do was cause one of Jackson Parish’s greatest athletes to miss out on a never before done accomplishment in the history of LHSAA girls track and field.

When the LHSAA cancelled the spring sports campaign a few months back it denied Makayla Stewart of Quitman High School the opportunity to win a fourth consecutive pole vault state championship in Class B. Never before in the long history of high school track and field, has a female won state in an event for four consecutive years. She would have done so without breaking a sweat.

What is even more incredible is that pole vaulting isn’t even her best athletic activity. While she didn’t get the chance to be named All-State first team track and field for four straight years, which state title winners receive it still wouldn’t have measured up to what she has accomplished in Cheerleading.

In each of her four years of Cheerleading competition in high school Stewart was named not only All-State but named first team ALL-AMERICAN every year as well. Twice Stewart has won NATIONAL Jump-Off titles.

Her unrivaled achievements drew notice this past week when NBC-NEWS10 television station and the MyArkLaMiss.com website honored the vivacious QHS graduate by posting her picture and a short blog on the weekly program entitled “Senior Night” which is presented by Creed and Creed Attorney Group.

Nothing can take the place of standing on a podium with a first place medal in your hand but hopefully for this incredibly talented and personable young woman who always put her school and team above her own personal gain, this recognition will take some of the sting out of the way her high school career ended.

The Jackson Parish Journal wishes you good luck Makayla and looks forward to following your accomplishments in the future.