MONROVIA – The National High School Sports (NHSS) on Tuesday presented a cash award of US$7,000 to Nathan E. Reeves Charity Memorial High School football team celebrating the institution’s decisive victory in the 2026 NHSS Football Championship.
By: Christopher C. Walker, [email protected]
The ceremony, held during the school’s morning devotion on April 7, transformed the campus into a scene of celebration. Students, faculty, and invited guests gathered to witness the fulfillment of the tournament’s prize promises.
The team secured the title following a high-stakes 3-1 victory over Buchanan Open Bible High School in the grand finale.
Rewards for Excellence
The championship victory brought significant financial and professional incentives to the school and its standout players, signaling a new era of investment in Liberian youth sports:
The NHSS confirmed that the international trip includes full responsibility for airfare, accommodation, and feeding.
Furthermore the organizers revealed plans to increase the championship prize to US$10,000 for the 2027 season.
The “Education First” Mandate
NHSS Executive Director Dionysius Sebwe, a former national team defender and ex-Deputy Minister for Sports, used the occasion to deliver a stern message on the fleeting nature of athletic fame.
He emphasized that the tournament’s primary objective is to drive school enrollment and keep youth in the classroom.
“There is life after the game. Play the game, love the game, but acquire education in preparation for your future,” Sebwe urged.
He warned that without a solid educational foundation, even the most talented athletes are vulnerable to exploitation during professional contract negotiations.
He cited his own transition from the pitch to government ministry roles during the administration of former President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf as proof that academic credentials are the only true safeguard for a long-term career.
Supporting this sentiment, his brother and fellow former professional, Kelvin Sebwe, challenged students to become recruiters for the classroom.
“Encourage your friends to go to school. Don’t just attend learn well,” he said
Academic Standards Remain Non-Negotiable
While the school celebrated its inaugural-year triumph, the administration made it clear that “star status” does not grant academic immunity.
Principal Pastor Shadrick B. Cassell Jr. praised the NHSS for a transparent and well-structured tournament, while Proprietor Raphael C. V. Reeves issued a challenge to other departments including kickball, quizzing, and the choir to emulate the football team’s excellence.
However, he maintained a firm stance on the school’s academic rigor.
“This is a challenge to all departments to pursue excellence,” Reeves declared. “But we are not changing the rules of the school for star players.
At this school, there is no such thing as a ‘free grade.’ Your books plus sports will carry your game further.”
Reeves concluded by promising that the players’ photos would be enshrined in a school Hall of Fame, urging them to “make their names on the biggest stage beyond Liberia.”
Nathan F. Reeves Charity Memorial High School and Howard Academy were crowned champions of the 2025/2026 National High School Championships, following a series of high stake performances in the football and kickball finals at the Samuel Kanyon Doe (SKD) Sports Complex on Friday, March 27.
The final drew a massive crowd to Paynesville as both sides battled for national prestige.
Despite the pressure of the big stage which included a missed penalty Ralph Weah found the back of the net to help secure the win.
Charity Memorial’s tactical resilience and attacking flair ultimately proved too much for the “Bassa Boys.”
