60th Year School Celebration
John F. Kennedy High School Alumni Association
2nd Annual Scholarship Fundraiser Golf Outing Friday, September 26, 2025
Location: Highland Park Golf Course, 3350 Green Road, Beachwood, OH 44122
All alumni are invited to participate
•Registration 7:30 a.m., Shotgun start 9:00 a.m.
•Contests Include:
Closest to the Pin, Longest Drive, Longest Putt
•Auction Items
•Individual Golfer $125 per golfer
•Hole Sponsor $150
•Dinner & Reception Only $75
contact Loretta Kirk Adair, Class of 1970, 216-538-6097 or lkadair@sbcglobal.net. website: jfkgolfouting.com
John F. Kennedy High School History The Beginning
John F. Kennedy High School, nestled in the Lee-Harvard Community at 17100 Harvard Avenue, was a beacon of innovation. It was the first new Cleveland high school to open in 30 years, boasting an impressive $3.5 million 80-classroom building. Equipped with the latest laboratory science tools and state-of-the-art classrooms for math, languages, and vocations, it was a pioneer in education. The first-floor cafeteria was a marvel, featuring a gated divider that would vanish into the ceiling, opening the cafeteria to the first-floor corridor.
JFK was the first city high school organized to have an assistant principal’s office on every floor. Its gym capacity was 2,200. The school was the first to have a movie theatre. Its unique design allowed for a stage that serviced both the auditorium and the gym that could be opened to both sides. The school was constructed in response to overcrowding of other city schools. JFK was a comprehensive high school offering honors, regular college preparatory courses, and 20 technical and vocational courses. An extracurricular program of 35 organizations and activities was offered.
The school opened with grades 9A and 11A but with no senior class. Its enrolment of majority middle-class Black students increased to over 3,000 by 1973 and declined to 1229 by 1997.
As the new JFK High School embarked on its journey, it had the opportunity to establish its own unique traditions. The first students, filled with enthusiasm, embraced this task wholeheartedly. The school’s names and models were all centered around the theme of national government and presidents, a testament to its commitment to excellence and leadership.
Camelot (Yearbook) - JFK’s favorite song from the book and musical Camelot represented that idealist view of government.
Profile - (School Newspaper) - From the book Profiles in Courage by President
Red, White, Blue (School Colors), and the Nation’s colors.
The Eagle - (School Mascot) - The Nations symbol.
First Ladies - (Girls Marching Team) - Titled after the president’s wife. Student Congress (Student Council) is the Nation’s governing body. The first principal, Mr. George E. Mills, started the tradition of excellence.
Between 1967 and 1977, JFK graduated 7,362 students with an average dropout rate of less than 6%. In 1969, three schools in Ohio had the most significant number of semi-finalists to qualify for the thousand college scholarships given to the top students by the largest corporations in the United States. John F. Kennedy High School was one of the three, along with the prestigious Shaker Heights High and Walnut Hills in Cincinnati.
John F. Kennedy.
A Message from the Alumni Association President
We are so glad you joined us for this momentous occasion. Today is not just another event—it is a celebration of legacy, unity, and the unbreakable spirit of John F. Kennedy High School. Seeing so many proud alums, family, and friends gathered together is both inspiring and humbling.
As a proud alumnus of JFK High School, I am truly honored and grateful to serve as your Alumni Association President. This role is not just a title—it is a responsibility and a privilege. I carry the lessons, friendships, and memories formed at this school with me every single day. And I know many of you do as well.
This gathering reflects the strength of our shared legacy. From the classrooms where we first discovered our potential to the hallways where lifelong friendships were formed, JFK has always been more than just a school—it has been a community, a foundation, and a launchpad for success. We come from different walks of life, but we are united by a common bond that time and distance cannot break: we are JFK alumni.
Events like this are a reminder of what we can achieve when we come together. Whether it’s supporting current students, honoring those who came before us, or simply reconnecting with old friends, our presence here matters. It sends a powerful message that our school still matters and that we are committed to keeping its spirit alive for future generations.
I would like to thank every one of you for being part of this special celebration. Your support, energy, and love for JFK are what make this alum community so strong. Let’s continue to stay connected, support each other, and give back in any way we can.
Your membership means a great deal to us; your support helps keep our alumni active. Please ensure that you see someone from our membership committee to join the alums or to pay your dues tonight.
Together, we honor the past, celebrate the present, and invest in the future.
With pride and gratitude,
Kermit Knight President, John F. Kennedy High School Alumni Association
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®
Corporate Office 5656 South Stony Island Avenue
OFFICE OF:
Gwendolyn L. Kirtley
Great Lakes Regional Director
P. O. Box 202292
Cleveland, Ohio 44120
Cell: (216) 706-9181
Email: gkirtley@aka1908.com
Saturday, June 14, 2025
Dear John F. Kennedy High School Family and Distinguished Alumni,
It is with profound gratitude and immense pride that I accept the 2025 Community Hero of the Year Award during this historic celebration of John F. Kennedy High School’s 60th Anniversary Sneaker Ball. What a full-circle moment it is to be honored by the very community that helped shape the woman I am today.
As a proud JFK alumna and the Great Lakes Regional Director of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, I am deeply committed to serving, empowering, and uplifting the communities we call home. My foundation was built right here in Cleveland within the walls of JFK High School where I first learned the importance of excellence, sisterhood, and social impact. These values have continued to guide me throughout my life and leadership.
This honor is especially meaningful because it recognizes not just my personal contributions, but the collective efforts of those who invest in the future of Cleveland our educators, our neighbors, our alumni, and our youth. It reflects the power of staying rooted, reaching back, and building up. That is what Alpha Kappa Alpha teaches us: “To be of service to all mankind,” and I am proud to continue that mission in the city that raised me.
Thank you to the JFK Alumni Association and event organizers for this incredible honor. Let’s keep soaring, investing, and believing in the brilliance of our students and the strength of our community.
With deep appreciation and Eagle pride,
Gwendolyn L. Kirtley Great Lakes Regional Director
Delvis Valentine Master of Ceremonies
Delvis Valentine, MBA, is a highly experienced sports broadcaster, having dedicated over 22 years to the field. His journey began at John F. Kennedy High School in 1979, and he furthered his education with an Associate’s Degree in Small Business from Cuyahoga Community College, a Bachelor of Science in Management from Malone College, and a Master of Business Administration from Indiana Wesleyan University.
He is recognized throughout Cleveland for his distinctive voice, colorful, professional attire, and engaging personality at community events and broadcasts. Valentine has been honored for his ongoing commitment to Cleveland’s neighborhoods through development initiatives and veteran support programs.
He is a veteran of the United States Air Force and retired from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs in 2022. Former member of the Greater Cleveland Association of Black Journalists, contributing to diverse media representation.
Currently, he serves as a mentor to individuals starting their careers as broadcasters. Additionally, he serves as an active trustee of the Nadira Art and Design Collective, showcasing his diverse interests and contributions to the arts.
Valentine is an active member of New Galilee Baptist Church, strengthening connections within Cleveland’s faith community.
John F. Kennedy High School Alumni
60th School Anniversary Celebration
Introduction of MC Charles Ausbrook (79)
Welcome James W. Wade III (76)
60 Years of JFK Brief History Video Presentation
Invocation Joyce Hester (70)
Dinner Served
Honoring 2025 Community Heroes
Powerpoint Presentation Felicia Townsend - Ivy (79)
Presidents Remarks Kermit Knight (68)
DJ Spoonie - Dance the Night Away.
Scan QR to see Celebration Book
Gwendolyn L. Kirtley Biography
Excitement is in the air! Gwendolyn L. Kirtley has been officially re- installed as the Great Lakes Regional Director of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® at the 71st Boule in Dallas,Texas! Under the visionary leadership of Danette Anthony Reed, International President & CEO, Gwendolyn leads with purpose, power, and passion!
She now guides over 7,000 phenomenal, service-driven members across Michigan, Ohio, Western Pennsylvania, Western New York and West Virginia united under her bold vision: “Greater Together” in Service and Sisterhood.
Initiated in 1981 as a charter member of Nu Upsilon Chapter at Capital University, Gwendolyn brings over 40 years of dedicated service. A proud 25- year member and Life Member, she’s held countless leadership roles-from President of Alpha Omega Chapter to Chairwoman of the Alpha Omega Foundation, Incorporated®.
Her regional and International impact is unmatched, having served as Cluster Coordinator, Protocol Chair, and Co-chair of the 87th Regional Conference. As part of the Leadership Development Committee, she helped certify hundreds of members through dynamic training and nearly 100 workshops! She is a recipient of numerous awards and accolades, notably the Great Lakes Region Margaret Davis Bowen Graduate President Award and the Pamela L. Redden Outstanding Silver Star Award, and most recently, Alpha Omega Foundation’s Outstanding Leadership Award.
Beyond the sorority, Gwendolyn retired from State Farm Insurance after 36 years, including heroic service on the Catastrophe Team, responding to major hurricanes across the U.S. She’s also served her community through leadership with the American Red Cross, Berea Family Services, and more. She remains active with the NAACP. A proud HBCU mom,her children-Nichole(Howard University) and Carl (Clark-University), are her joy. She is also proudly engaged to Mr. Paul Redd. Gwendolyn L. Kirtley is proof that with purpose, passion, and sisterhood, we are truly Greater Together!
Amonte Littlejohn Biography
Amonte Littlejohn born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. He considers moving from John Adams High School to John F. Kennedy High School a pivotal point in his development. The teachers, coaches , and student body encouraged my growth for the future
In professional service to the people of Cleveland and the state of Ohio, he worked as a dispensing pharmacist and a pharmacy administrator in the inner city of Cleveland for over 50 years. Amonte also performed for 5 years within Northeast Ohio Neighborhood Health Services, Inc. (NEON) as an administrator. He also served as a Vice President of Pharmacy Services for the Total Health Plan … at that time the largest Medicaid HMO in Ohio.
He was appointed twice by Republican governors to the Ohio State Board of Pharmacy. There for 8 years, he served as president of the board for 1 year as elected the board members. Amonte was only the second Black person to serve on the board and the only one to serve as president to date. He also served for one year on the National Board of Pharmacy. Locally , Amonte was elected to Vice President of the Cleveland Pharmaceutical Association, a Black pharmacists association. One year he was awarded the “Distinguished Pharmacist Award”. Twice, he was elected as president of the Northern Ohio Academy of Pharmacy.
In service to the community at-large Amonte served two years as a member of the Session board of Calvary Presbyterian Church. He participated as a Big Brother in Big Brothers Little Brothers. He was very proud to see his “Little Bother” from the age of 13 through his service in the Navy and then marriage. He put in 15 gratifying years in Boy Scouts as a Scoutmaster, Cubmaster, adult leader trainer, and counselor for many merit badges. Within the Cleveland Heights school system he was a member of the Curriculum and Achievement committee. At Coventry Elementary, he had 8 years of fun helping the PTA, Currently ,Amonte considers himself a worker bee with various function of the JFK Alumni Association.
Mike Mathis Biography
Mike Mathis, born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, is a transformational speaker, mentor, and founder of Mentoring With The Mentees, a global mentorship program impacting thousands of teens across the U.S., Africa, and Canada. After overcoming incarceration at age 20 and experiencing a lifechanging spiritual encounter, Mike dedicated his life to guiding youth through emotional regulation, anger management, and character development.
Mathis’s story is one of powerful transformation, perseverance, and relentless faith. Born and raised in Cleveland, Mathis faced a tumultuous journey early in life, navigating the streets and grappling with the absence of his father. “I was lost, trying to find who I was,” Mike recalls, reflecting on the search for identity that led him down a dangerous path. At just 20 years old, that search resulted in an eight-year prison sentence—a harsh reality that would eventually shape his life’s mission.
“I thought my identity was in the streets,” Mike shares. “I did eight years in prison, and it really molded me, gave me a new set of eyes.” Those eight years, spent in the tough environment of Forestry, Mississippi, served as a crucible that tested and refined him. “We sewed our own clothes, grew our own food—everything was raw and real,” he says. It was in this environment, surrounded by hardened men and under the blazing sun, that Mike began to evolve. “That cocoon gave me tolerance. I knew if I could get through that, I could overcome anything.”
Today, he anthor of a book called I’m Not Famous but i Made it Psalms 23 edition and rage unleashed Navigating Youth Anger in today’s world. He also speaks in schools, communities, and prisons, using his powerful story to inspire change and offer real-life solutions for breaking cycles of struggle and discovering purpose. His favorite quote: “I may not be famous, but I made it.”
Andre White Biography
Andre White is a proud graduate of John F. Kennedy High School, and he exemplifies what it means to give back, lead with purpose, and stay connected to the community that shaped him. His journey is a shining example of how deep roots in one’s neighborhood can grow into a lifelong commitment to service, leadership, and impact.
Andre’s connection to his community is not just personal—it’s purposeful. He has spent years building trust, fostering relationships, and developing solutions that make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Whether he’s organizing local initiatives, advocating for residents, or mentoring young people, Andre operates with an unwavering passion for community engagement.
His work is not driven by recognition or reward but by a sincere belief that everyone deserves a voice, an opportunity, and a champion. Andre understands the challenges that many families and neighborhoods face, and he brings both compassion and action to every issue he tackles. Whether it’s education, public safety, economic development, or youth programming, he consistently works behind the scenes and on the front lines to create real change.
Andre’s involvement in political and civic life is an extension of his deep sense of responsibility. He believes that informed, active, and accountable leadership can transform communities. His political work is grounded in listening to residents, understanding their needs, and advocating for fair, just, and forward-thinking policies. He is known for his thoughtful approach, collaborative spirit, and tireless energy.
What truly distinguishes Andre is not just his actions but his approach. He leads with humility, treats others with respect, and never forgets his roots. His pride in being a JFK alum runs deep, and he often credits his time at the school with helping to shape his character, discipline, and sense of duty. This humility and respect make him approachable and relatable to all.
Andre White embodies the spirit of service, perseverance, and progress. His work continues to inspire others to get involved, stay committed, and believe in the power of local action. Andre’s belief in the power of local action is not just inspiring but also motivating for all of us.
He is currently working with PB Cleveland on a participatory budget to allocate $200,000 to a neighborhood for residents to vote on or create projects for their communities. Additionally, he is working with CMHA through Cleveland Lead Advocates for Safe Housing (CLASH) to provide child testing and lead-free housing to CMHA residents.
His proudest accomplishment was the passing of the Cleveland School bond and levy issue, which brought three new schools to the Lee Harvard community: Adlai Stevenson, John F. Kennedy, and Whitney Young schools. Additionally, he was involved in the Frederick Douglass Recreation Center and sat on the New JFK School curriculum committee.
Dr. Linda D. Woodard Biography
Dr. Woodard began her professional career as a sales/lubrication engineer for a major oil company. In 2005, she became an entrepreneur and president of the LDW Group LLC. In July 2017, Dr. Woodard began working fulltime in her business. During that year and subsequent years, the LDW Group LLC won competitive multi-year bids and was selected as the One-Stop Operator for the comprehensive American Job Centers (AJC) for CareerSource Northeast Florida (Region 8-2017-current) and CareerSource Central Florida (Region 12-2018-2021). The One-Stop Operator ensures that the AJC partners provide a seamless customer-focus delivery to services to customers who utilize the One-Stop Center. Dr. Woodard has multiple years of experience in workforce and career development. From 2015-2017, Dr. Woodard served as the Associate VP of Workforce Education and Economic Development for Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) which is the 3rd largest state college in Florida.
There, she provided FSCJ’s strategic oversight for Continuing Education (CE) open enrollment programming, Corporate Learning and Training Solutions (CLTS) (engagement with the business and industry community to provide contract training, professional services and programs), the affiliated registered apprenticeship programs and federal grant programs including FSCJ’s first DOL Florida Apprenticeship Grant ($5 million award). In her first year at FSCJ, Dr. Woodard and her teams eliminated deficits in both entrepreneurial centers (CLTS and CE) and exceeded revenue goals by nearly 50 percent. She developed fast-track short-term training to meet the needs of employers in the College’s service area. These programs were designed to articulate to the PSAV (Postsecondary Adult Vocational), A.S., and B.A.S. workforce program pathways. Dr. Woodard is knowledgeable of LMI and uses the information to make data-driven decisions. Prior to her work in Florida, Dr. Woodard was the VP of External Relations and Funding in the Workforce and Economic Development Division of Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) in Cleveland, Ohio. She served two tours of duty at Tri-C from 1998 to 2005 and again from 2011 to 2015. While at Tri-C, Dr. Woodard managed multi-million-dollar workforce grants while having oversight of the division’s resource development, grants management, quality assurance and the Job Link Services (JLS) departments. Dr. Woodard’s company was contracted in 2020-2022 by the Ohio Department of Workforce Development to provide PD training for more than 200 frontline workers and supervisors and currently serves as the Workforce Development Consultant for multiple housing authorities that receive HUD issued Jobs Plus Program Grants. Dr. Woodard is the author of Professional Development programs for youth and professionals (https://www.amazon.com/author/ drlindadwoodard).
As the president of the LDW Group LLC, Dr. Woodard considers her company an outlet to do “passion” work. She and her associates focus on providing workforce and career development services for incumbent workers of community-based and governmental agencies, educational institutions, and organizations as well as for individuals including career changers who have limited work experience seeking to gain skills to enter or re-enter the workforce. In 2021, the LDW Group LLC became a “global” training organization where Dr. Woodard provided the Facilitating Career Development (FCD) training to practitioners in the UAE. There, her company partners with Global Visions in Dubai which enables her company to deliver training there. Her business is registered in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina and Ohio.
Congratulations
For 60 Years of Excellence, Growth and Community at John F. Kennedy High School
From the ALUMNI HEAD FAMILY
DONALD “DONNIE” HEAD Class of 1968
Athletic Program - Baseball Player
LAVONNE HEAD ADAMS Class of 1969 First Lady
ANTHONY “TONY” HEAD Class of 1974 (1955 - 1998)
Athletic Program - Football and Baseball Player
John F. Kennedy High School Alumni 60th Anniversary Celebration Committee
Felicia Townsend Ivey, JFK HS Alumni Association, Secretary & Fundraising Chairperson
LaVonne C. Adams
Linda Briggs
Joyce Hester
Bruce Ingram
Amonte Littlejohn
Lonnie D. Sloan, MaCC, CPA & JFK HS Alumni Association, Treasurer
James W. Wade III
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