At Coffee High School’s senior honors night ceremony a few weeks ago, a few names dominated the list of award/scholarship recipients – but none quite like Kah’Jere Smith. Known to just about everyone simply as KJ, he’s Class of 2025 president, a defensive back on the football team, member of the track team, in FBLA, National Honor Society, Fly Boyz, and one of the most decorated students in his graduating class.
KJ is attending Morehouse College, where he has a true full scholarship. He plans to obtain a degree in biology with the ultimate goal of becoming a dentist. “Morehouse has a great reputation and is a great academic school. It’s also a great brotherhood outside of school and there are lots of networking opportunities,” says KJ.
Throughout his academic career, he has achieved a number of goals and milestones. His biggest, though, is easy to name. “My greatest personal achievement is being a first-generation college student, becoming my family’s first high school honor graduate, AP Scholar, and Zell Miller Scholar,” he says.
His haul at honors night included receiving the Gates Scholarship, Zell Miller Scholarship, HOPE Scholarship, Taco Bell Live Mas Scholarship, and the MLK Foundation Scholarship, along with the awards that come with being an honor graduate and a scholar athlete.
In addition to his work in the classroom, KJ also excelled on the field of play. As a defensive back this football season, KJ recorded 16 solo tackles, 15 assisted tackles, three tackles for loss, and one interception – which he returned for a touchdown.
“I’m thankful for God being my steppingstone in everything I do. I’m also thankful for my family, friends, and teachers for all the support and love they have poured into me,” says KJ.