Deshon Johnson Receives Posthumous Degree

Deshon Johnson of Montclair was less than a year from receiving an associate’s degree when at the age of 22 he was struck and killed by a bus last July.

Johnson, a singer, rapper, artist writer and entrepreneur, was honored earlier this month when Essex County College awarded him a posthumous certificate/degree in good academic standing in Business Administration Finance. It was the first time the school awarded a posthumous degree, according to the Dean of Students.

Johnson’s name was also read last Wednesday along with the more than 1,400 members of Essex County College’s Class of 2013. His best friend James Little wore a t-shirt with Johnson’s picture on it at the commencement ceremony held at the Prudential Center in Newark.

Another honor will come next month when, on June 6, Montclair High School will present the first Deshon Johnson Memorial Scholarship.

Johnson graduated from Montclair in 2008. He was in the honor society and on the wrestling team. 

Make a contribution to the Deshon Johnson Memorial Scholarship.