Alumni Testimonials --- Take a look at what some of our graduates are doing now

Julie Butler Fluker- Class of 1986 Julie is noted as being the first student to graduate from the Westcoast School for Human Development, which opened its doors in 1981 through the vision and labor of Dr. and Mrs. Henry L. Porter. Upon high school graduation, Julie received a four-year full scholarship to the University of Florida . While studying at Florida , she was a member of and secretary for the campus chapter of the NAACP, and she held the office of historian for Gamma Sigma National Service Sorrority. Julie received numerous awards for her community service work with such organizations as the Saint Frances Soup Kitchen and Homeless Shelter, Shan's Hospital, the Ronald McDonald House, and Civitan Bloodmobile to name a few. In 1990, she graduated from USF with a B.A. Degree in Technical and Professional Writing, and in 1996 she earned an M.A. Degree in English Education. Julie lives in Sarasota with her husband, Michael. Currently, she teaches at a local middle school during the day, and at night she teaches at Manatee Community College as an adjunct writing professor. At the time of printing, she was hard-pressed to remember a specific memorable moment, but what stands out most is the fine example set for her by the Westcoast School 's staff.

“As a teacher now, I can't help but look back and marvel at the priceless training I received at the Westcoast School . I know my teachers gave me their best, unconditionally. If that weren't enough, they trained me to excel and they loved me to heights unknown. I sincerely cherish and appreciate every one of the teachers and volunteers who cared, I mean really cared about me. Your love and selflessness has made all the difference in my life and I only hope I can follow your example and help the students that I teach.”

Christian Mays-Class of 1989 After graduating from the Westcoast School in 1989, Christian attended Manatee Community College where she earned an A.S. Degree in Early Childhood Education. From MCC, she went on to Florida A & M University where she graduated Magna Cum Laude in April 1994, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Work. Christian fondly remembers Dr. Porter's Multi-Disciplines class when he introduced the students to Oedipus Rex- Gospel at Colonus., a modern, gospel musical of the classical Greek play. Christian sites her senior excursion to Africa as her overall best experience while a student at the Westcoast School . Christian lives in Sarasota with her 5-year old son, Jelani Mays.

Penni Page Bellamy-Class of 1990 Penni, is a graduate of Keiser College where she maintained a 3.8 grade point average while earning an A.S. Degree in Medical Assisting. Upon passing her state certification, she became a registered medical assistant and currently works at an AIDS Clinic. When asked about her most memorable Westcoast School experience she says she made a friend for life with instructor, Dr. Florine Daniels. “At the start and end of each school day, I had to check in with my assigned teacher, Mrs. Daniels. To this day, I still find myself checking in with her. She has become my mentor, but most of all, she has become my friend.” Penni resides in Sarasota , Florida with Todd, her husband of nearly three years, and two sons, Michael-Vincent and Todd, II

Chadwick Watkins-Class of 1990 After graduating from high school, Chadwick enrolled in the Westcoast Theological Seminary. Earning a Bachelor's Degree of Divinity in 1996, Chadwick was the first student to graduate from WTS. Not only is he an ordained minister of the Henry L. Porter Evangelistic Association, Inc., he is also a professional gospel singer. To his credit, he has performed during game openers for the Orlando Magic basketball and Cincinnati Reds baseball games. As a member of the HLP Love Campaign, Chadwick has traveled throughout the world, singing in Kenya , Senegal , France , Italy , Greece , Hong Kong , Great Britain and the Netherlands . In the United States , he has appeared on BET's Bobby Jones Gospel Hour and has had the privilege of performing at the White House.

John M. Harris- Class of 1991 Since high school graduation, John has made great strides in the music industry. A singer and musician who has received musical awards from the Westcoast School and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, John says, “Thanks, my darling Dr. Mariea Watkins, who gave me faith and confidence in my musical ability.” Others also recognized John's outstanding talent and he received a full scholarship to USF's School of Music where he formed his first singing group, Vzhienz (Visions). Now, John has his own production company, Yole Productions with partner, Mr. Hamilton. He also works with AT&T Broadband in Atlanta , Georgia where he lives with his wife, Rodtrisa and his 4-year old daughter, Kalyse. John sites his best time at the Westcoast School as the time he traveled to Africa on his senior thesis trip. En route to Africa, the entourage, stopped in New York , and attended the Broadway show, “The Piano Player” whose cast included the actor, Charles Dutton from the sitcom, “ROC.”

Kenda Bryant Smith- Class of 1991 Kenda graduated in 1999 with a degree in English Education from Florida A&M University . After receiving her degree, she returned to Sarasota , Florida where she worked with adults and children suffering from suicidal/homicidal ideation at Coastal Recovery Crisis Unit. She currently lives in Orlando with her newlywed husband, Greg and their newborn son. Her favorite Westcoast School teacher was Ms. Gwen Mays and her favorite memory is the day she joined the “big kids” and became a member of the school chorus. “I can remember wanting to be one of the ‘Big Kids' because they were able to leave the class room at 10 A.M. for chorus. They seemed to be having so much fun and they sounded so good! The day I became a member of the chorus and learned “The Word of the Lord is Within Thee” was such an accomplishment.

Rodtrisa Kelly Harris- Class of 1992 After graduating from the Westcoast School for Human Development, Rodtrisa attended Manatee Community College where she earned an A.A. Degree in General Education. From MCC, she went on to study at the University of South Florida where she received the Black Scholars Award and earned a B.S. Degree in Management Information Systems. Between classes at USF, Rodtrisa worked at the Lawton & Rhea Chiles Center for Healthy Mothers and Babies to help promote healthy pregnancies among Blacks and Hispanics. Rodtrisa thanks Mr. Hicks for his assistance with various math equations and for helping her cope with life's growing pains. She remembers her role as the African Queen in one of Mr. Jacobs' drama productions and it made such an impact on her that she currently works with the Uhuru Tribe in Atlanta , Georgia . Rodtrisa works as a Systems Analyst/MIS Helpdesk Coordinator with the Pameco Corporation in Atlanta where she lives with her husband, John, and her daughter, Kalyse.

Jerrard Lavender, Jr.-Class of 1994 After graduating, Jerrard attended Full Sail Center for the Performing Arts. In 1998, he graduated with his Associates Degree in Recording Arts. He is currently attending Tampa Technical Institute in Pinellas County , where he will graduate in 2004. He also works as an Apprentice to Master Electrician, Ray Chester. Jerrard says, “He enjoyed everything about attending Westcoast School and learned from all the Instructors.” He does not single out one person as his favorite instructor.

Christa Dodge-Class of 1995 In 1995, Christa was awarded the College Achievement Scholarship to attend Santa Fe Community College in Gainesville , Florida . While at Santa Fe , she served as president of the International Students' Cultural Association, and held offices in the SFCC Black Student Union and the SFCC Gospel Choir. In 1997, Christa was listed in Who's Who Among American Junior College Students. With an Associate of Arts Degree in hand from SFCC, Christa went on to further her studies at the University of South Florida . While at USF, Christa was an active member of the Coalition of Leaders and the University Psychology Association. In May, 2000, she earned a B.A. Degree in Psychology and graduated in August,2003 with a M.A. degree in Mental Health and Rehabilitation Counseling. Christa lists Mrs. Alice Stanford as her all-time favorite teacher, and her best time was attending the 12 Noon Mountain-Moving Prayer Services as Reverend Carolyn McKinnon taught the daily Bible lessons. Christa resides in Sarasota , FL where she works as a full-time substance abuse counselor for the First Step, Inc.

Henry L. Porter, II-Class of 1995 Henry, a Fisk University alumnus, graduated cum laude in 1999, with a B.A. Degree in Psychology. He attended the University of Miami as a graduate student in Clinical Psychology. In 2001, he was appointed to the Board of Directors for the HLPEA, Inc. and in 2002, he was appointed as the board's vice-president. He serves as the chairman of the secondary division of the Youth Department of the Westcoast Center and is a charter member of the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe. Henry, the first-born son of the Westcoast School 's founder, Dr. Henry L. Porter, remembers and appreciates the commitment of the school's assistant principal, Mr. Samuel Hicks. Mr. Hicks stayed with Henry everyday after school for a full month to help him complete the necessary PACE work to make Dean's List.

James Dodge, II-Class of 1996 James is currently a senior at Florida International University studying Jazz Music Performance, and he's happy to announce that he will be graduating in April, 2003. While attending FIU, James has maintained a 3.0 GPA. He is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, he serves as vice-president of Panther Hall Council, he is a peer mentor and advisor for Housing and Residential Life and he plays bass guitar as a member of the FIU Jazz Band. James's best time in high school was the down time he spent with Dr. Hendon, the school's principal. “It was fun cracking jokes with Dr. Hendon. You could crack a joke on him and he would always have a response. And, what made it so funny is he would laugh at your joke and leave and come back 10 minutes later after he had time to think about it and get you back. You were always guaranteed a come back.” On a serious note, James sites all his teachers as his favorite and is most appreciative for Dr. Porter's MD classes which James says really prepared him for college success.

Etienne Porter-Class of 1997 After high school graduation, Etienne attended Florida Memorial College where he maintained a 3.1 G.P.A. while working as the Production Manager for the Music Department. Etienne's goal is to produce sound recordings and become a Grammy Award winning producer. Etienne began playing the drums at two years old and has since perfected his talent. He has played for such artists and groups as The HLP Love Campaign, Chadwick, Bobby Jones, Jesse Dixon, Dorothy Norwood, Vicki Winans, Edwin Hawkins, Donald Lawrence, Hezekiah Walker and DeWayne Harvey & Unrestrained Praise just to name a few. Etienne is the son of the Westcoast School 's Founder, Dr. Henry Porter and his best school experience was the first performance of “The Little Gents”.

Detrece Lavender- Class of 1997 Detrece, currently a student at Berklee School of Music in Boston , Massachusetts , is successfully pursuing a dual major in Music Therapy and Vocal Performance. Not only is she studying music, but she teaches, performs and produces music. To her credit, Detrece has produced a CD and workbook on vocal technique for choruses. She teaches voice lessons at a local middle school, and leads workshops in Improvisation, Self Confidence and Music Therapy. She was recently a featured vocalist in Berklee's Singers Showcase, and she sings with three gospel music groups. When she's not singing lead, you can find her in the background accompanying such artists as Lynette Hawkins, Kim Burell, David Foster and Brenda Russell. Detrece's talent and hard work hasn't gone unnoticed by local philanthropists as she has received numerous scholarships and awards such as the Norm Nations Endowment Scholarship, the Berklee World Tour Scholarship, the Berklee Achievement Scholarship and the Ameri-Corps Education Award. Detrece thanks Dr. Porter and Mr. Clove for giving her music instruction and experience and she appreciates Mrs. Daniels for teaching her the scriptures that are her foundation. Detrece says Ms. Cynthia Riley was her favorite high school teacher and she expects the Westcoast bus in Boston for her graduation in May, 2003.

Jathan Standford- Class of 1999 After high school, Jathan attended Manatee Community College . While at Manatee, he was involved in Youth Leaders of Florida and was the first Homecoming Prince in 1999. Jathan graduated from Manatee Community College with his A.A. Degree in 1999. From there he went to University of Central Florida (UCF) where he received his B.A. in 2002.He is currently taking courses to obtain his Master in Occupational Therapy. He is a member of the Kappa Alpa Psi faterity where he serves as Treasurer and Secretary. He is Music Director of the Anticoch Missionary Baptist Church and of the Christian Choir, “Young Gifted and Black.” His favorite teacher was Mr. Martin. His favorite memory was working with Mr. Jacobs, and getting sent downstairs to his Mother and Father for talking back to Mr. Martin.

Leon Pitts II- Class of 1998 Leon is currently enrolled at Manatee Community College , majoring in Drama. While attending school, he participates in the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe. He recently performed in the musical hit, “Eubie.”

Teresa Stanley- Class of 2000 Teresa is pursing her career in Musical Theatre. She is a part of the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, where she has been featured is such shows as, “Eubie” and “The Cotton Club Cabaret.” Other plays she has participated in were “The Amen Corner” and “Purlie”. Her Favorite moment at the Westcoast School was receiving the Holy Ghost in our Mountain Moving 12 Noon Prayer Service.

Andrea Bowens- Class of 2001 Andrea is currently a student of opera at New World School of the Arts in South Florida . So, far she has had the opportunity to perform various operatic scenes at the Metropolitan Opera House and Carnegie Hall. It comes as no surprise that her best and most memorable Westcoast School experience is performing at the Players Theatre.

Apphia Campbell-Class of 2001 Since high school graduation, Apphia has been a student at Manatee Community College , where she has maintained a 3.5 GPA. While attending college, she actively participates in the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe and recently performed in the hit musical, Eubie. Apphia's favorite teacher at the Westcoast School was the Dean of Students, Mr. Charles Martin. When Apphia had difficulty with her math, she turned to Mr. Martin for help. Of his assistance she says, “We both knew I was being lazy, but I wanted and expected him to walk me through my math PACE like he had done before. But this time he said I had to think on my own and stop being stupid and wasting time struggling with math I knew I could do. He said I was smart and he encouraged me not to be lazy. So when I had to college math, I kept those words with me and I've gotten B's in all of my classes.”

Andrea Jones- Class of 2001 Graduating in 2001, Andrea was admitted to Manatee Community College . Her plans are to move on from MCC to a four-year college where she will study Accounting.

Tsadok Hazel Cynthia Porter-Class of 2001 Tsadok is currently a student at Manatee Community College , where she is studying Theatre. While in College, she actively participates in the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, and recently performed in the hit musicals, “Eubie” and “The Cotton Club Cabaret.” Tsadok's favorite moment at Westcoast School was being the Student Director of the Westcoast School Chorus.

Ray Chester-Class of 2001 After graduating, Ray took a position in his father's company as an electrician's assistant. His favorite moment at Westcoast, was traveling to Anderson , South Carolina , and Gastonia , North Carolina.

Lawrence H. Jones, II- Class of 2002 Halbert, as he likes to be called, is making a name for himself in the performing arts. From a young age, Halbert has performed in various plays, musicals and operas. He is a member of the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe and recently performed in the troupe's production, Eubie. One of Halbert's goals is to study acting professionally. His favorite high school teacher, now mentor and friend, is Mr. Jacobs, drama instructor.

Johnathan B. Pitts- Class 2002 Johnathan currently has a position at Dillard. He will be attending Florida A&M University in the spring. His favorite teacher was Rev. Daniels. Since his graduation he has traveled to Los Angeles , California , and Nashville , Tennessee.