Toshika Sylvester, daughter of John and Lucia Sylvester of Dalcour, won first place in four events at the Junior Olympic Southern Regional Track & Field Meet in Monroe, Louisiana on July 10-11. She anchored the 4 x 100 relay and the 4 x 400 relay with times of 47.52 seconds and 55.30, respectively. She, also, took first in the 100 meter and 200 meter dash with times of 12.19 sec. and 24.48 sec. She will participate in all four events at the National Junior Olympics in Sacramento, California on July 26-August 1 and then on to the AAU Junior Olympic Games in Norfolk, Virginia on August 2-10.

Toshika started her track career as a Sophomore at Phoenix High School and joined the New Era Track Club in April 2009.

She graduated this past May as the salutatorian of the class of 2010. She received scholarships from ULL, McNeese, SLU, Grambling, Xavier of New Orleans, University of Louisville, University of Houston, University of Missouri, New Mexico Highland University, New Mexico State University and Long Beach State University only to take a 4 year academic/track scholarship from Louisiana State University.

She has won numerous awards and medals, but none meant more to her than winning the 4 x 100 relay at the LHSAA State Track & Field Meet this past May. She anchored the team of LaKeidra Brocks, Jasmine Moliere, Monisha Isidore, and Toshika Sylvester with an impressive time of 53.73 seconds. Toshika, also, placed first in the 100 meter dash with a time of 11.76 seconds, 200 meter dash with a time of 24.16 seconds, and long jump with jump of 19 feet 2 inches.

Her coaches feels she would have broken state records had officials not taken off wind aid.

Because of her efforts, Toshika was named the 2010 LHSAA State Track & Field “Outstanding Athlete.”