Honoring the Legacy of Deshon Johnson Through Education and Opportunity

Education has the power to transform lives, open doors, and inspire future generations. The Deshon Johnson Memorial Scholarship Foundation continues to carry that mission forward by helping students pursue their dreams of higher education while honoring the life, legacy, and aspirations of Deshon Johnson.

Deshon Johnson was a proud student at Kean University, where he pursued his studies as a Business Major. He believed in growth, leadership, determination, and creating opportunities for success. Today, his mother continues to honor his memory by raising funds to support deserving college students through scholarships and educational awards.

The foundation’s mission is simple yet powerful: to bless students with financial assistance so they can continue their educational journey with hope, encouragement, and support.

Supporting Future Business Leaders and College Students

The Deshon Johnson Memorial Scholarship is intended to provide financial support to full-time undergraduate or graduate students, with preference given to business or business-related majors who demonstrate financial need and academic commitment. Kean University recognizes the Deshon Johnson Memorial Annual Scholarship as part of its scholarship opportunities for students.

The scholarship reflects Deshon’s passion for education and his desire to see students succeed despite financial obstacles. Through this initiative, students are encouraged to continue striving toward excellence in business, leadership, entrepreneurship, and community service.

A Mother’s Commitment to Giving Back

What makes this scholarship especially meaningful is the love and dedication behind it. Deshon’s mother continues to work tirelessly to raise money for the foundation so future students can receive scholarships and educational awards in his memory.

Her vision is not only to help students financially, but also to inspire young people to believe in themselves, pursue higher education, and create brighter futures for their families and communities.

Every donation — no matter the amount — helps make a difference in the life of a student.

Community Partnerships and Educational Impact

The foundation has proudly collaborated with educational institutions including Essex County College and Montclair High School, where Deshon Johnson was once a student himself. These partnerships represent the foundation’s ongoing commitment to supporting education at multiple levels and reaching students from diverse backgrounds.

By building relationships with schools and colleges, the foundation continues expanding opportunities for deserving students who may need financial assistance to continue their academic journey.

How You Can Help

The Deshon Johnson Foundation welcomes donations of any amount to continue supporting scholarships and educational awards for college students.

Supporters who believe in education, mentorship, leadership, and community empowerment are encouraged to contribute and help keep Deshon’s legacy alive through student success.

Donations can help students with:

• Tuition expenses
• Books and educational supplies
• Academic fees
• Transportation costs
• College-related financial needs

Contributions also help strengthen scholarship opportunities for future business majors and aspiring professionals seeking higher education opportunities.

Donate to the Deshon Johnson Foundation at Kean University

Supporters interested in contributing can learn more through Kean University Scholarship Services and Foundation Scholarship programs:

Kean University Scholarship Services

Kean University’s scholarship services support a variety of undergraduate and graduate scholarship opportunities, including the Deshon Johnson Memorial Annual Scholarship.

Continuing a Legacy of Hope

The Deshon Johnson Memorial Scholarship Foundation represents more than financial support — it represents love, perseverance, opportunity, and the belief that education can change lives.

Every student helped through this scholarship becomes part of a larger legacy built on compassion, determination, and community support.

With continued donations and community partnerships, the foundation can continue opening doors for students for years to come.

Together, we can honor Deshon Johnson’s memory by investing in the future of education and empowering the next generation of leaders.

Free Grants and Fundraiser Ideas Every Student Should Know

Free Grants and Fundraiser Ideas Every Student Should Know

Turning Dreams Into Degrees Without Financial Stress

College is one of the most powerful investments a student can make in their future. Yet for many young people across America, the rising cost of tuition, books, housing, transportation, and everyday expenses can make higher education feel out of reach. The good news is that students are not alone in this journey. Thousands of free grants and creative fundraising opportunities exist to help students reach their educational goals without carrying overwhelming debt.

The key is knowing where to look, how to apply, and how to build community support around your academic journey.

Why Free Grants Matter

Unlike student loans, grants are financial awards that typically do not have to be repaid. That makes them one of the most valuable forms of financial aid available. Grants are designed to help students who demonstrate financial need, academic promise, leadership potential, or unique talents.

Many students mistakenly believe grants are only available to top academic performers or athletes. In reality, there are grants for first-generation college students, community volunteers, minority students, future entrepreneurs, STEM majors, artists, healthcare students, and many others.

Free grants can help cover:

• Tuition and fees
• Textbooks and supplies
• Housing costs
• Transportation
• Technology needs
• Emergency student expenses

Students should begin by completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), which opens the door to federal and state grants. Beyond federal aid, private organizations, nonprofits, businesses, and foundations also offer grant opportunities year-round.

Powerful Grant Opportunities Students Should Explore

Federal Pell Grants

Pell Grants are among the most common forms of federal aid for undergraduate students with financial need. Millions of students rely on these grants each year to make college affordable.

State-Based Education Grants

Many states offer their own grant programs for residents attending college within the state system. Students should research programs offered through their state’s higher education department.

Community Foundation Grants

Local nonprofits and community foundations frequently offer smaller grants that often receive fewer applicants, increasing the chances of success.

Career-Specific Grants

Students pursuing careers in nursing, education, social work, engineering, and public service may qualify for specialized grants designed to strengthen critical industries.

Minority and First-Generation Grants

Many organizations are dedicated to expanding access to higher education for underserved communities and first-generation college students.

Creative Fundraiser Ideas for College Students

Fundraising is another powerful way students can reduce financial pressure while building leadership and communication skills. Successful fundraising is not just about asking for money it is about inspiring others to invest in a student’s future.

Here are several fundraising ideas students can use to support their educational journey:

1. Community Scholarship Dinner

Host a local dinner, banquet, or cookout where supporters can donate toward college expenses. Students can share their goals, academic achievements, and future plans with attendees.

This type of event builds personal connections and often inspires long-term mentorship and support.

2. Online Crowdfunding Campaigns

Digital fundraising platforms make it easier than ever to tell your story and reach supporters nationwide. Students should create heartfelt videos and explain how education will impact their future and community.

Transparency and authenticity are essential for successful campaigns.

3. Car Wash Fundraisers

Simple but effective, car washes remain one of the most affordable ways for student groups or individuals to raise money quickly while engaging with the local community.

4. Talent Shows and Performances

Students with musical, artistic, or creative skills can organize talent showcases where admission proceeds support educational expenses.

These events also help build confidence and community engagement.

5. Small Business Fundraising

Students can leverage entrepreneurial skills by selling baked goods, custom T-shirts, crafts, photography services, tutoring sessions, or digital content.

Turning talents into income not only raises money but also develops real-world business experience.

6. Social Media Fundraisers

Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook allow students to share their stories with broader audiences. Consistent posting, storytelling, and updates can encourage donations and scholarship visibility.

Building a Winning Financial Strategy

The most successful students combine multiple resources together. Applying for grants, scholarships, part-time work opportunities, and fundraising initiatives creates a stronger financial foundation.

Students should also remember these important tips:

• Apply early and often
• Stay organized with deadlines
• Write strong personal essays
• Ask mentors for recommendation letters
• Search for local opportunities
• Never pay for scholarship applications
• Continue applying throughout college

Persistence matters. Many students receive funding after applying to dozens of opportunities.

Education Is Worth Fighting For

Financial obstacles should never stop students from pursuing their dreams. Every grant application submitted and every fundraiser organized represents determination, resilience, and belief in a better future.

College is not simply about earning a degree. It is about creating opportunities, breaking generational barriers, building leadership, and shaping stronger communities.

At the Deshon Johnson College Scholarship, we believe students deserve encouragement, access, and opportunity. With the right mindset and resources, students can overcome financial challenges and move confidently toward academic success.

The future belongs to those willing to pursue it relentlessly.

“A Dream Interrupted, A Legacy Eternal” Poem And A Mural

 “A Dream Interrupted, A Legacy Eternal”

                  Poem And A Mural

A dream interrupted, but never erased,

A voice still echoes through time and space.
From Montclair streets to bright city lights,
You carried your purpose through endless nights.

With a microphone pressed close to your soul,
You turned pain and passion into a goal.
Every lyric was written with fire and grace,
A young king determined to earn his place.

The stars above danced to your sound,
As crowds lifted their hands when you came around.
Sean Cos Mason, a visionary name,
More than an artist, more than fame.

A son with dreams bigger than fear,
Holding his mother’s love forever near.
You wanted to build her a life filled with peace,
A home where her worries and struggles would cease.

Yet a mother had to stand and watch\Her only son’s dream be cruelly taken away.

To see his light fade before its time,
And still find strength enough to pray.

Her tears now fall between memories and songs,
Where his voice still lives and forever belongs.
For a mother’s love does not disappear,
It walks beside her through every year.

Even as heaven called you away,
Your light still remains with us today.
Because dreamers like you never truly depart,
They leave melodies stitched into every heart.

And somewhere beyond what mortal eyes see,
You still perform in eternity.
Where golden gates glow and angels sing,
A rising star forever crowned king.

Though the journey ended before its time,
Your spirit still breathes in rhythm and rhyme.
For legends are born when a dream survives,
And through your music, your legacy lives.

By: Naomi

Do you like this title for this poem? 

Are do you like the below list of titles?

“From Dreams to Destiny”

“The Echo of Sean Cos Mason”

“A Mother’s Prayer, A Son’s Legacy”

“Legends Never Die”

“The Dream Still Sings”

“Rhythm Beyond the Stars”

“When a Dream Lives Forever”

The Evolution Of A Star- Poem And Mural

                   The Evolution Of A Star

                      Poem And Mural

From the cradle to the crowd,

A microphone stayed in your hand.

Before the world could hear your voice,
Your spirit already had a plan.

At one year old, beneath soft lights,
You sang into dreams bigger than fear.
A child holding melodies like promises,
Manifesting a future year by year.

Cosmos was the first star born,
A young soul searching through the night.
Then came Cos with growing fire,
Turning passion into light.

Sean M. carried ambition,
Sean Mason sharpened the art.
But Sean Cos Mason became the legend,
A household name with a fearless heart.

From Real Deal Radio stages
To the tri-state city glow,
You painted verses across the skyline
With every beat and every show.

You daydreamed of the people
Calling loudly out your name.
Not for fortune, not for glory,
But because your soul burned with flame.

And now the heavens hold your rhythm,
While earth still echoes every song.
Though your journey changed direction,
Your music lives forever strong.

The mural tells what time cannot erase:
A boy, a dream, a man, a star.
Because legends never truly leave us—
They shine in every heart they touch from afar.

Poem: A Light for Deshon

Poem: A Light for Deshon

Deshon Johnson Memorial Plaque Lights Up Bloomfield Corner At Night In Honor Of A Remarkable Young Man

 Deshon Johnson Memorial Plaque Lights Up Bloomfield Corner At Night  In Honor Of A Remarkable Young Man

Deshon Johnson Memorial Plaque Lights Up Bloomfield Corner in Honor of a Remarkable Young Man

In Bloomfield, New Jersey, a poignant tribute to Deshon Johnson now lights up the corner of Broad Street and Bloomfield Avenue, where a tragic event took place. Deshon’s life was brutally cut short when a New Jersey Transit bus, driven by a Coach USA operator, ran him over twice before dragging him across the Bay Avenue bridge.

To honor this remarkable young man and the enduring love of his mother, a memorial plaque and a "Tree of Life" were dedicated at the site of the collision. The memorial serves as a beautiful reminder of Deshon’s life, his bright spirit, and the profound impact he had on those around him.

Although the plaque and tree cannot bring Deshon back, they stand as a lasting symbol of the pain his mother continues to carry and the hope that such tragedies will never be forgotten. The illuminated corner at night brings a sense of quiet reverence to the community, ensuring that Deshon’s memory lives on.

This memorial is a reminder to all who pass by of the tragic events that occurred but also of the importance of remembering those we’ve lost, honoring their lives, and striving for a future where such heartache is prevented.

 Poem by Naomi Johnson

A Light for Deshon

At Broad and Bay in Bloomfield, a beacon glows,

Where shadows whisper of hearts’ deep woes.

A plaque, a tree, a mother’s care,

Her love eternal, shining there.

Deshon’s smile, now etched in stone,

A handsome soul, forever known.

But the world grew brittle, cold, and gray,

When fate so cruel took him away.

A bus, unyielding, stole his breath,

Left a bridge to mark his death.

Twice it struck, then dragged him far,

Turning bright dreams into scars.

Yet from this pain, a light does rise,

A tree of life, beneath night skies.

It cannot bring him back, it's true,

But keeps his memory fresh and new.

A mother’s love, a boundless flame,

Each leaf and glow speaks his name.

Deshon lives on, in hearts that grieve,

A radiant spirit, never to leave.

So at the corner, let us pause,

And honor him, and all he was.

For though the world may move too fast,

This light ensures his love will last.

Deshon Johnson July 18, 2024 Memorial Gathering Pictures In Bloomfield NJ

Deshon Johnson July 18, 2024 Memorial Gathering Pictures In Bloomfield NJ

 

Deshon Johnson was killed by a bus more than a decade ago in Essex County. His mother has a stirring plea: Remember the good days, too.

Deshon Johnson was killed by a bus more than a decade ago in Essex County. His mother has a stirring plea: Remember the good days, too.

This is the article by Eric. 

https://patch.com/new-jersey/bloomfield/my-son-wasn-t-just-victim-he-was-vibrant-new-jersey-woman-says

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — If you Google the name of Deshon Johnson, you’ll see a long list of articles about his tragic death, which took place in North Jersey more than a decade ago. But his mother says it’s also important to remember him as a “vibrant young man with immense potential” – not just as a victim.

And there’s no doubt that in Bloomfield, Montclair and Essex County, the community does.

Earlier this month, a memorial tree and plaque were dedicated at Broad Street and Bay Avenue in honor of Johnson, who was struck and killed by a NJ Transit bus in Bloomfield as he was headed to his job in 2012. A grand jury later declined to indict the driver, who was employed with Coach USA. See Related: Man Killed by Bus Identified As College Student

Johnson, 22, attended Kean University and Essex County College and was on the cusp of furthering his education at Montclair State University at the time of his death. The aspiring hip-hop artist was working a part-time job to help support his mother, Naomi Johnson, who was disabled as a result of a car crash.

Johnson’s death was widely mourned in the community, including at a memorial service held shortly after his passing.

Find out what's happening in Bloomfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"He was a talented man who knew what he wanted to do with his life," said a friend, Matt Fernandez. "He was very driven and very motivated."

• See Related: Family, Friends Celebrate Life of Deshon Johnson
• See Related: Deshon Johnson Receives Posthumous Degree

Since that day, his mother has been keeping her son’s memory alive through something that was dear to his heart: the arts.

In 2020, Johnson helped to posthumously release “4 My Town,” her son’s tribute to Montclair, a town he was immensely proud of. While nothing can replace her son, there is a measure of solace in helping his talent reach other people, she previously told Patch. Read More: Montclair Woman Honors Late Son By Keeping His Music Alive

Two years later, Johnson headlined a fashion show at the New Jersey Women’s Expo in Edison. The show included posthumously released music from her late son. Read More: Fashion Show Honors Memory Of Essex County Musician Killed By Bus

Johnson continued this tradition earlier this month, when – flanked by several community leaders and town officials – she placed a memorial plaque at the corner where Deshon took his final breath.

Article continues below

Johnson had a message of thanks for the people who helped make her latest tribute possible:

“I want to give a special thanks to Councilwoman Sarah Cruz, [Bloomfield Human Services Supervisor] Paula Perikes, Mr. Perikes, and my friend/neighbor Myrna Poole for partaking in my son's memorial. I also would like to thank Myrna for taking the pictures, the Bloomfield resident with blonde hair who stopped to give her condolences, and Brookside Garden Center owner Martin O’Boyle for donating the flowers to put at the site where my son was horrifically killed for the years of July 18, 2022, and July 18, 2023.”

Previous tributes to her son have included a proclamation presented by Councilwoman Cruz and New Jersey assemblyman/former Bloomfield mayor Michael Venezia in 2021 for Pedestrian Safety Month.

“My desire for the community to remember him not just as a victim but as a vibrant young man with immense potential,” Johnson said, adding that her son had “wisdom beyond his years” and was a positive influence on those who knew him.

“Deshon was more than just a student: he was a beloved figure in his community, known for his infectious smile and passion for music,” Johnson continued. “His dedication to his craft, his love for music, and his positive impact on those around him. His artistic talents were evident in his work as ‘Sean Cos Mason,’ where he expressed himself through lyrics that resonated with many. Friends and family remember him as someone who brought joy to those around him and had dreams that inspired others.”

The circumstances surrounding her son’s death have left an indelible mark on the community, Johnson added.

“I emphasize that my son's promising life was deliberately cut short,” she said, urging the community to honor his memory by celebrating his achievements and advocating for safer public transportation.

“I hope that people will remember my son for his kindness, ambition, and the bright future that was so cruelly stolen from him,” Johnson said.

The bereaved mother gave Patch an update about life more than a decade after her son’s death, noting that she is still grieving powerfully after all these years:

“My existence has been irrevocably altered, plunging me into perpetual darkness. The anguish within my heart feels insurmountable, an affliction that time cannot heal. It has created an everlasting void, leaving my soul with an emptiness that is impossible to fill. I am confronted with the heartbreaking reality that I will never witness my son’s wedding or experience the joy of welcoming grandchildren into my life. The tragic loss of my son … severed not only our familial bond, but also the continuation of our lineage. My son did not have the opportunity to father children who could carry on his name and legacy.”

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

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Remembering Deshon Johnson: A Tribute to a Life Cut Short

 

Remembering Deshon Johnson: A Tribute to a Life Cut Short

In a poignant and heartfelt ceremony, Deshon Johnson, a beloved music artist, was honored with a Memorial Tree and picture plaque at the very spot where his life was tragically cut short. Deshon’s story is one of immense talent, hope, and a community united in grief and remembrance.

On a day marked by sorrow and remembrance, friends, family, and supporters gathered in Bloomfield, NJ, to pay tribute to Deshon. The site, which bears the scars of a brutal incident, now stands as a testament to his memory and the impact he left on those who knew him. Deshon was killed by Coach USA bus operator Wilson Romaine while Romaine was operating an NJ Transit bus.

The Memorial Tree, symbolizing life and growth, is a living tribute to Deshon’s spirit. Planted at the site of his passing, it serves as a place for reflection and remembrance for all who visit. The accompanying picture plaque captures Deshon’s vibrant spirit, reminding everyone of the talent and potential lost too soon. The plague not only honors Deshon’s life but also serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the need for accountability in our community services.

Deshon Johnson was more than just a music artist; he was a beacon of hope and inspiration to many. His music, filled with raw emotion and powerful messages, resonated with fans and friends alike. His untimely death has left a void that can never be filled, but his legacy lives on through his art and the memories he created with those who loved him.

The memorial serves as a call to action for safer transit practices and greater awareness of the responsibilities borne by public transport operators. It is a solemn reminder of the consequences of negligence and the enduring pain it brings to families and communities.

As we remember Deshon Johnson, let us also reflect on the broader implications of his tragic death. The Memorial Tree and picture plaque are not just symbols of mourning but also calls for justice and change. They urge us to ensure that no other life is needlessly lost and that every individual’s safety is paramount.

In honoring Deshon, we celebrate his life and music while advocating for a safer, more accountable world. His memory will forever be etched in the hearts of those who knew him, and his legacy will continue to inspire change and hope for a better future.

 

I like to thank Myrna for this lovely picture of us and supporting me on the day my son took his last breath on Broad Street and Bloomfield Avenue, Bloomfield, New Jersey. 

Honoring Deshon Johnson: A Heartfelt Thank You to Paula Peikes and a Call for Justice

 

Honoring Deshon Johnson: A Heartfelt Thank You to Paula Peikes and a Call for Justice

 

The Deshon Johnson's  Memorial Tree In Bloomfield New Jersey

We at the Deshon Johnson College Scholarship would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Paula Peikes from Bloomfield, New Jersey, for sponsoring a memorial tree in honor of my beloved son, Deshon Johnson. Deshon's life was tragically cut short when he was struck and killed by a Coach USA bus driven by Wilson Romain, who was operating NJ Transit bus 709.

The tragic incident occurred at the intersection of Broad Street and Bay Avenue. Despite clear evidence of negligence, Essex County has refused to erect a memorial for Deshon, likely due to their own fault in the matter. On that fateful day, the entire sidewalk was blocked off with no police officer present to ensure public safety. This in no way absolves Wilson Romain of his responsibility; he chose to ignore Deshon's signal to stop at the bus shelter. Instead, he accelerated, aimed the bus towards Deshon, struck him, and ultimately ran over him twice, dragging him to the corner of Broad Street and Bay Avenue.

To date, Wilson Romain has not faced any legal consequences for his actions. He has neither served jail time nor received a traffic ticket for killing Deshon. Shockingly, the prosecutor chose to cover up Deshon's death to protect the bus company.

We continue to seek justice for Deshon. His life and memory deserve recognition and respect, and those responsible for his death must be held accountable. Thank you, Paula, for your support and for helping us honor Deshon's memory. Together, we strive to ensure that justice is served.