Who We Are
Clifton George Thompson, affectionately called Aska, was a father, husband, businessman, disciplinarian, and a hero to his children. Although he was not a scholar, he knew the value of education and instilled that value in his children from an early age.
Early on, it was evident that the economic challenges facing Clifton's family would only be eliminated by one of two factors: money or education. Money, he did not have, but he could provide his children opportunity to pursue an education through hard work, and by teaching his children the value of education, but more importantly to love learning.
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Although he was not able to obtain the education he wanted for himself, he was not defined by it. Instead, the challenges of his life were his teacher. Clifton made great sacrifices for his children, enabling them to receive a quality education. He believed that education would allow you to live your dreams and open new possibilities, not only for his children, but for all children and all those children who would come after.
This foundation, named in honor of Clifton George Thompson, is a demonstration of his love, of our father’s love, for education and his enduring dream of an education for every child.
We've taken on the task of sharing our Father's love for education, and now we're entrusting it to you as well. Whether you're a donor, a volunteer, or a student, it's up to all of us to continue the dream of an education for all. In the words of Nelson Mandela, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”. We hope that you will help us change the world by inspiring those around you.
Meet The Board
Cassandra Hyman
Cassandra Hyman is the daughter of Clifton George Thompson, and Founder of the foundation that bears his name. She was born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica. She is a Career Counselor and a Reading Specialist, and holds a Bachelors of Science in Career Development and Masters of Science in Special Education.
Kimberly Kerr
Kimberly is a clinical research coordinator at a teaching hospital in NYC and has a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science. During her academic career, in high school and at university, she benefited from tuition assistance and was fortunate to graduate debt free. She even spent time assisting other students with their financial assistance needs and passing on any information she found beneficial to their academic success. She is passionate about building her community and believed that access to education is a key contributor to the creation of a conscious self-sufficient society.
Janice Douglas
Janice Douglas is a dedicated educator whose professional career transcends the boundaries of educational segregation, as she has influenced positive development in the lives of scholars at all levels of academia (Pre-K - College). As a Reading Specialist, she has significantly improved the academic performance and enriched the lives of hundreds of aspiring professionals during a career that spans over twenty-five years.
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Lavern Gray-Weise
Lavern is a very passionate educator with over twenty years’ experience. She was instrumental in the implementation and supervision of a literacy program designed to improve students’
reading levels in a high school in Jamaica. In her former capacities as grade supervisor and department head of reading, a positive impact was made on many students. She now resides in Florida and is employed as a teacher of intensive reading. Mrs. Gray - Weise holds a master’s degree in education from Nova Southeastern University. She is an avid reader, enjoys listening to music, baking and travelling.
Tricia Panton
Tricia is a proud Jamaican from St. Ann who now resides in Kingston. Her educational path took her to Dinthill High school, and later to Vocational Training and Development Institute (VTDI) where she pursued a diploma in Teaching, and then Northern Caribbean University (NCU) where she achieved a BSc in Counselling/Social Work. Tricia has worked as a Counselor/Social Worker for over 15 years, providing services to both adults and youth in the capacity of Mental Health support, Community Outreach, and preventative programs.
Niurka Wallace
Niurka Wallace is a medical student at Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine. Previously, she attended Ardenne High School in Jamaica, and Florida International University (FIU) where she completed her Bachelors in Biology. She also completed her Master’s degree at Chatham University. During her undergrad as well as grad school tenure, she was heavily involved in community service projects which allowed her to mentor females from disadvantaged backgrounds. Now, as a medical student, she is on her quest to promote healthcare in destitute communities. Niurka is also involved in school run organizations that promote education for the less fortunate youth
Danielle Hyman
Danielle has a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance from Portland State University. She currently works as an accountant at a large public accounting firm in Portland, Oregon. Danielle’s personal mantra is a quote from Maya Angelou which states “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them”. She enjoys reading and traveling in her free time.
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"I have been a part of various community service projects and workshops helping disadvantaged children through tutoring and mentorship over the last 10 years. I am honored to be a part of the Clifton George Thompson Scholarship Foundation to help students achieve their goals."