West Grove Outstanding Graduates Inspire the Community

Jovan Kala Hannah

Jovan Kala Hannah is graduating on June 7, 2011 from New World School of the Arts (High School)

Jovan Kala Hannah is graduating on June 7, 2011 from New World School of the Arts (High School), where he’s concentrating in Musical Theatre performance. He has been professionally and classically trained at New World, and was recently seen in “Curtains”, “The Exonerated”, and “GOD”. After such rigorous training at New World, Jovan auditioned for several of the top colleges and universities around the country, and after careful consideration, he decided to enroll at Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University where he is expected to major in Stage Management. Jovan is excited to take his training to the next level, but he’s most excited about moving to the Northeast and finally having the privilege to witness the change in seasons. Jovan is very appreciative and is very thankful for his parents Alvin Hannah and Kathryn Smith; his friends and family who support him and ALL of his endeavors. Jovan attends the St. Matthew Missionary Baptist Church in Coconut Grove.

Kashif E. Smiley-Clark is graduating from Coral Gables High School

Kashif E. Smiley-Clark

Kashif E. Smiley-Clark is the youngest of three children of Mr. William Clark of Miami, FL and Mrs. Ida M. Smiley-Clark of Cairo, GA. He was born and raised in Miami, FL (Coconut Grove) where he matriculated through K-12 with good grades and being very active in the community. After graduating from Coral Gables Sr. High School, Kashif made an awesome decision, to attend the Florida A&M University. Kashif earned his BS in Finance from FAMU’s School of Business and Industry and on April 30,2011, and obtained his Masters of Business Administration and Masters of Public Administration. Marcus attends the St. Mary’s Missionary Baptist Church in Coral Gables.

Through his matriculation on the campus of Florida A&M University, Kashif had the awesome privilege of serving in many capacities involving campus life such as: Relay for Life, Homecoming Dorm Step Show Chair and the Current Homecoming Concert Chair. He served as a Student Senator in the 38th Student Senate, and on the Supreme Court of the Student Judicial Branch for three years before his appointment to Chief Justice, making him one of three branch heads of the Student Government Association. Kashif is also a proud member of the Alpha Xi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., the FAMU Pre-Law Chapter of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity International, Omicron Delta Kappa International Leadership Fraternity, and Delta Sigma Pi Professional Business Fraternity.

Upon graduation from FAMU, Kashif accepted a job with the largest consulting firm in the world, Accenture, and is moving to the nation’s capital, Washington, DC.

Kashif still plans to finish his education by attending Law School and getting his Juris Doctorate or obtaining his Doctorate Degree in Education Leadership or Public Administration. Kashif sets high goals for himself. With his drive, dedication and commitment to succeed, the possibilities for his success are endless. In ten years, Kashif plans to have been state a Senator and a US Congressman in 15, continuing his legacy of servant leadership. At the end of his political career, he plans to settle in as the President of a College/University, with Florida A&M University being his first Choice.

Kashif lives his life by his two favorite quotes: “Good things happen to those who wait, but only what’s left behind by those who hustle” and “Life’s battles don’t always go to the stronger or faster man. But sooner or later, the man who wins is the man who thinks he can”.

Marcus L. Dixon graduated with Outstanding Leadership honors from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations.

Marcus L. Dixon

Marcus L. Dixon graduated with Outstanding Leadership honors from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations. During his time at UF, Marcus had many accomplishments. He served in Student Government as the 86th Student Body Vice President, having been elected by the majority of the voting 50,000 student population. In this capacity, he was the number two executive of one of the largest Student Governments in the country with a $16.9 million budget. He also served as the President of the University Gospel Choir, Co-Director of the Black Student Assembly and was selected by his college to be one of five students representing the University in a national academic competition team. He is a member of College Leadership Florida and Florida Blue Key, the oldest, most prestigious leadership honorary in the State of Florida. Marcus made history in 2010 when he was selected as the first African American University of Florida Homecoming King. In August of this year, Marcus will be pursuing a Masters in Public Administration at Florida State University and is considering a joint law degree. Marcus also attends the Faith Alive Fellowship Church in Davie, FL.

Dominique Johnson is a June 7, 2011 graduating student from Miami Southridge Senior High School.

Dominique Johnson

Dominique Johnson is a June 7, 2011 graduating student from Miami Southridge Senior High School.  He plans to further his studies of Early Childhood Education at Florida Memorial University beginning this fall.  Dominique is the proud son of Mr. James Johnson, Jr. and Ms. Stephanie Taylor and attends St. Matthews Community Baptist Church.

Dominique Ross is the older of two children from Mr. Emmanuel and Patricia Ross. She is the granddaughter of the late Sgt. Clifford & Cliffonia Jackson Ross and the great granddaughter of the late Melvin R. & Hattie A.E. Jackson. The Jackson and Ross Families, both migrated to Coconut Grove three generations ago, and are faithful members of Greater Saint Paul A.M.E. Church.

Dominique Ross

Dominique Ross is the older of two children from Mr. Emmanuel and Patricia Ross. She is the granddaughter of the late Sgt. Clifford & Cliffonia Jackson Ross and the great granddaughter of the late Melvin R. & Hattie A.E. Jackson. The Jackson and Ross Families, both migrated to Coconut Grove three generations ago, and are faithful members of Greater Saint Paul A.M.E. Church.

Dominique graduated from the Academy of Richmond County in Augusta, GA with a 3.7 GPA, while participating in the International Baccalaureate Program in 2006. She made the decision to attend the University of Central Florida and earned her Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the College of Engineering on December 17, 2010.

Through her undergraduate matriculation on the campus of the University of Central Florida, Dominique had the privilege of serving in many capacities involving campus life such as: the Secretary of the National Society of Black Engineers, and was an Excel Program for Engineers participant. In 2010, Dominique was inducted into the Order of Engineers. She has been involved in community service such as: Chairperson of the Professional Development Committee, Intern Community Service Coordinator, and A Walk for Education, United Way Silent Auction, and the National Society of Black Engineers National Conference Volunteer. She contributed to numerous research projects; has experience as a patent apprentice; and has worked for ABB Inc., and GE.

Upon graduation from UCF, Dominique decided to continue her education at the same University. She is currently pursuing a dual Masters in Business Administration and Electrical Engineering. She has also been awarded the gracious honor of becoming a GEM Fellow and a Graduate Teaching Assistant which both offered her a full scholarship to graduate school.

In the next 5 years, Dominique plans to graduate with her degrees and participate in an international leadership program for project management. Afterward, she wants to pursue an international project management position with a company.

Dominique lives her life by two of her favorite quotes: “I can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens me” and “A woman who is a liability cannot offer anything of substance to anyone.”