MADISON- Two of the finest members of the James Clemens High track program have signed athletic-academic scholarships to continue their education once they graduate from the Jets’ program. Kiara Risher agreed to an offer from the University of South Alabama (USA) and Sylvia Cortes signed with the University of Alabama-Huntsville (UAH).

Risher recently set the Alabama state record for the high jump at the AHSSA State Indoor Track Meet. She also runs both the 100 and 200-meter sprint races where he personal best in the 100 is 12.48 seconds and a time of 25.67 in the 200.

“I began track when I was nine years old as my older brother was running track so I tried it for myself,” said Risher, who carries a 3.7 grade point average and will pursue a degree electrical engineering. “I was also one of the fastest in my school and began taking the sport seriously when I was in the eighth grade as my times in races began to drop.”

Risher migrated to the high jump as she felt her times in running weren’t going to be that competitive, so she tried her luck at the high jump. Her personal best is 5-foot-7-inches, but if her background in jumping as any indication of her passion for the sport, the future looks bright. “I used to practice high jumps by jumping onto my bed at home,” added Risher.

Cortes, the daughter of Miguel and Christina Cortes, is a mid-distance sprinter specializing in the 800-meter race and relays. In the recent Huntsville Metro Track and Field Championships, she won gold medals as part of both the 4×800 and 4×400 relays. She also placed third in the 800. It wasn’t until her sophomore year at James Clemens did she try out for track after several years of playing soccer.

“Even when I joined the team I didn’t know my place as nothing was clicking for me and wasn’t until my junior year when I found my niche,” said Cortes, who has a 3.8 grade point average and wants to earn a degree in fine arts concentrating on illustration of painting and drawing. “My older brother, Miguel Jr., runs track at UAH and he’s always been there for me as we even train together on weekends. He’s my mental support in track and overall life.”

Cortes looked at several schools including Murray State, USA, UAB and Georgia Southern before she made her choice to remain close to home and attend college with her brother. She said on her official visit to the local school the entire track program seemed to be very close and she liked that feeling as it felt like home.

“In addition to track, I also sing and even won a talent show in the sixth grade,” added Cortes. “As for my art, the classes at James Clemens improved my talents and have set me on my way to a career decision. I inspire to be great and be the best I can be in everything I do.”

Risher is an accomplished baton twirler and has taken lessons for 13 years. She is a member of the baton twirling team named Halloween and recently finished second in the Alabama State Competition.

“I chose USA after I decided not to get into the medical field that I first thought about when thinking of attending either UAB or Austin Peay,” said Risher, daughter of Katrina and Darryl Risher. “One of my current teammates Liz Holcomb will be attending there and former James Clemens runner Cory Shively is there and my visit to the campus felt like a good fit.”