A Wonderful turn out at The Deshon Johnson College Scholarship Foundation First Annual Fundraiser Dinner Event

It was a lovely event Wednesday, March 5th 6 pm from 10 PM when Montclair High School, Kean University, Essex County College and 57 supportive came out to show their support to The Deshon Johnson College Scholarship Foundation First Annual Fundraiser Dinner Event at The Brownstone.

The foundation awarded Montclair High School (Maryann Wasko), Kean University (James Gurland), and Essex County College (Coleen Porcher) with a check for the Deshon Johnson Memorial Scholarship. Certificates of proclamation were given to each representative for working with Naomi Johnson to start an honorable scholarship to carry on the memory of her only son, Deshon Johnson.

Naomi also recognized Bob Russo, Deputy Mayor for his dedication, support, and community leadership. The Mayor of Montclair received the plaque on his behalf.  Dr. Milchaman for the dedication and motherly love she displayed for Deshon and Naomi.  Essex County President, Gale Gibson received a plaque for recognizing, approving, and signing off on  Deshon Johnson’s posthumous certificate degree. This is for the first time ever in the history of the school. There have been other loved ones who wanted their child be honored with their degree after their demise but the board of community never approved the posthumous degree. Dean of Students, Elvy Viereira received a plaque for her unwavering support and pushing the community to acknowledge Deshon Johnson with his certificate degree.

We would like to thank our motivational speakers for delivering a powerful message about Deshon and the tragic incident, his characteristics, education and also raising awareness about some bus drivers ending lives.   Rosemarie D'Alessandro who started the Joan's Law gave a moving speech about being a parent activist after the loss of their child life taken by the hand of another human being and how to get laws changed for the safety of others. Also, how to communicate with grieved mother. Sharita McNair, shared on education and safety. Ifarike shared who Deshon was as a person, how he was a well-rounded gentleman, and what he had to contribute to the world.  We like to thank The Deshon Johnson Memorial recipient Malik Wright for giving a lovely speech about how the scholarship money changed his life and helped him with his education.

Last but not least, we would like to thank Noneillah Entertainment for their performer's Max and our hip hop gospel artist J Prophet for putting on a great performance. DJ Jamal Hall for providing music and sound. Noneillahstore vendor for selling their products and support. 

Big warm thanks for the Essex County College team for buying a whole table and showing Ms Johnson and Deshon their monetary and physical support. 

The event was delightful, emotional, entertaining, heartfelt and inspiring for all who attended. Naomi anticipated 40 guest for her first annual event; however, there were 57 people in attendance showing their support to this remarkable young man Deshon Johnson and his mother. As well as to this worthwhile foundation that will pave a way for the next college student’s financial need. In addition to, enlighten and raise awareness about the increasing number of innocent people losing their lives in the hands of some reckless bus drivers.

I will like to give a special warmhearted thank you to Montclair’s Mayor Robert D Jackson for his presence and accepting The Deshon Johnson College Scholarship Foundation plaque on the behalf of Montclair's Deputy Mayor Bob Russo. 

Naomi Johnson and The Deshon Johnson College Scholarship Foundation like to thank everyone for supporting the foundation and remembering Deshon on his 24th birthday March 5th. 

 You can click this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTjdaCIATK0on Youtube to watch the Annual Deshon Johnson Scholarship Banquet.