50 Faces of JESS | sonya coates

11 November, 2025

Sonya Coates looks back on her time at JESS Jumeirah from 1979 to 1983, filled with swimming galas, school trips, and friendships that stood the test of time. 

She met her closest friend Helen at just seven years old – now, decades later, their bond remains as strong as ever.

Their friendship, first forged beside the pool and deepened through shared school memories, is a testament to how the early years shape lives in ways that go far beyond the classroom.