AZ Preston Hall Dominates UWI Mona Homecoming 2025: A Shark-Sized Victory!
- Preston Media
- Mar 5
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 6
The halls of The University of the West Indies, Mona, came alive once again for Homecoming 2025—a celebration of school spirit, culture, and unity. But this year, one hall swam ahead of the rest—AZ Preston Hall.
This victory didn’t come overnight. It was the result of meticulous planning, passionate leadership, and unwavering dedication from the residents of Preston. At the forefront of this effort were Hall Chairman Ajani “Potcova” Campbell and Torian Bryan, who both played key roles in leading the charge.
The Road to Victory: Swimming Against the Tide
From the very start, Ajani Campbell was focused on igniting the hall’s competitive spirit.
“Everyone knows I’m a vibes master, and as such, cheer and vibes is my jam,” he said. “So, I started working on the cheers from as early as last year.”
Ajani’s leadership went beyond just preparation; he worked to inspire others, ensuring that the entire hall felt involved. His vision of bringing back the Zone Shoutout as a precursor to Homecoming was a game-changer, allowing residents to create new cheers and boost hall spirit ahead of the main event.
“They were all amazing, and it was a vibe even though the rain wanted to be the main character that day,” he joked. “But of course, the big bad Zone 3 created the winning cheer, ‘Take it to the Max’.”
Even casual moments turned into opportunities for creativity.
“I remember the night after our general hall meeting, some hall committee members and I went for a stall run by Mother’s, and on our way back, we were just vibing and we created some new cheers. That’s where the infamous ‘Lindy Have a Benz’ cheer came from.”
Meanwhile, Torian Bryan was a driving force in organizing and perfecting the performance. Her keen eye for detail, commitment to high standards, and love for dance shaped Preston’s overall presentation.
“It was fun. I love to plan. The stresses that came with it, I was prepared for,” she shared. “For the most part, my team pulled their weight. And when they were unable to manage, others stepped in.”
Her dedication ensured that the performance was polished and well-rehearsed.
“I was really happy about it. To see it and do it was really exciting and up to standards.”
The Cultural Mecca: A Performance That Made Waves
When it came time to hit the stage, Preston was ready to dominate. With a high-energy, synchronized showcase filled with original cheers, electrifying dance routines, and sharp execution, they left no doubt about their dominance.
Ajani reflected on how the effort was truly a collective one:
“Even though I created some new cheers and had a mock-up running order just in case a play-out of last year happened again (where it felt like it was me alone), I am truly grateful that this wasn’t the case this year. My committee and cluster reps pulled people together, Tori came on board, and of course, my amazing Prestonites riddim up and came out to the practices.”
When the moment arrived, every Presonite delivered with the heart of a shark in open water—fierce, focused, and unstoppable.
As they moved, sang, and conquered the stage, their voices rang out:
“Presonites! Rhythm up, rhythm up!”
The crowd erupted like a tidal wave, and by the time the final chant echoed through the air, there was no question: Preston Hall had made its mark.
An Ocean of Emotions: The Results & Recognition
When the results were announced, a tidal wave of emotions swept over the hall.
“I feel truly blessed and favored. I prayed for this, I yearned for this win from last year,” Ajani admitted. “I remember crying after placing second last year because we were this close to the win. I made it known that we were going for the win next year, but winning only comes when all hands are on deck.”
And that’s exactly what happened. From leadership to the newest residents, everyone played a role in securing this long-awaited victory.
For Torian, the emotions were just as overwhelming:
“I was overwhelmed. I cried. I ran to Shannon, and she ran on the stage.”
Continuing the Legacy of Shark-Sized Success
This win wasn’t just about one performance; it was about bringing the hall together, pushing boundaries, and proving that Preston Hall is a force to be reckoned with.
Through the vision of Ajani Campbell, the execution of Torian Bryan, and the passion of every single Presonite, Homecoming 2025 will be remembered as the year Preston rose to the top.
As the celebrations continue and the hall reflects on this historic achievement, one thing is certain:
“Preston a di best, and you know dat a facts!”
This is more than just a win, it’s a shark-infested legacy.
Congratulations to AZ Preston Hall, the undisputed champions of UWI Mona Homecoming 2025!
“The Cultural Mecca, our name forever known!”
By Alecia England, Editor-in-Chief of Preston Media 24/25
