Jovoni O. Johnson-McCray

Hometown – Conway, AR
Undergrad – Rice University

JoVoni Johnson has always aspired and strived to be the best at everything he does. Whether it be football, leadership, academics, or anything else, he wants to be the top. He takes extreme pride in being active and working towards change within his own community.

JoVoni played Quarterback for Conway High School in Arkansas and was the class President of Conway High. This allotted him a platform that enabled him to reach multitudes of youth throughout the entire state. With this influence in this position of power, he decided to advocate for an issue that held a special place in his heart―mental and emotional health and decisions related thereof. This led to him becoming part of the Choosing to Excel Youth Leadership Team; serving as Vice President and Public Relations Officer. In this nonprofit organization, JoVoni thrived in educating youth on the transition to high school and healthy decision making in all aspects. Through this program, JoVoni has advocated annually for the past three years to state and national legislators. On Capitol Hill, he lobbied to increase Title V funding to improve the amount of sex health education received by students in Arkansas.

With no shortage of accolades, JoVoni has earned the titles of National Merit Finalist, Rotary Youth Leadership Award winner, three year letterman All-State Quarterback, councilmember of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, National Honor Society member, devoted volunteer, and a proud young man that has overcome every stereotype held against him. Even in his young age, he is knowledgeable of his accomplishments and the weight they carry, however he is not satisfied, but rather determined to reach further for excellence. Throughout his life, there have been challenges, successes, sacrifices, and hardships that have all molded him into who he is today. His biggest motivation, support, and influence have all come from his mother. At a young age, being able to see the value in working hard and the sacrifices she made, pushed him to reciprocate that in his life and has manifested itself in his determination. Without the struggles or the support cast surrounding him, JoVoni would not have been able to make it this far in life. Shaped since his childhood, the values of hard work, dependability, conviction, and commitment have been the most important to him.

JoVoni plans to major in Economics with a History minor. This will provide a base for him to continue into Law School. In his career he hopes to become a part of the policymaking process in some area so that he can continue to represent minority groups and advocate to resolve issues that plague the marginalized population.