Justin Deshone: The Students’ Champion

The sentiments of working in the South Dallas community for Justin goes beyond his years as an educator and his childhood as well. A true Dallas native, he recalls some of his most memorable childhood moments playing with friends and riding bikes on the exact same streets that he would direct a community led bike ride in the area.

Justin Deshone

• 10 Year DISD Educator
• 10 Year DISD Boys Basketball Coach
• 2020-2021 Campus Teacher of the Year Recognition
• Devoted father and Community Service Advocate

South Dallas is a community long stricken with overcoming battles of poverty and crime. JJ Rhodes Elementary where Justin is favorably known as Coach J or THE STUDENTS’ CHAMPION, sits on the corner of Carpenter and 2nd Avenue serving as a beacon of hope and opportunity for the youth. His deeds of winning the Hearts of his students, school, and community are found in his Love for giving. Back in 2019, Deshone spearheaded a Christmas Break project that packed the elementary gymnasium with rows of newly purchased toys to send off hundreds of students with a gift for Christmas. This year, Justin led a campaign that would provide 100 youth with brand new bikes.

“So the bike ride was my #1 choice. It was actually supposed to be done in 2021, but with everything we’ve seen go on in the South Dallas area, I figured it was time to do it now. Time to provide some kind of peace and positive energy.”

-JUSTIN DESHONE

“What inspired me to do the Bike Ride for the South Dallas youth and community, was to provide a sense of normalcy….with the Covid situation students only really see their friends via zoom. So I figured if we’re riding bikes, we would still be able to safely social distance. Students were able to bring their families out, and we made it a family gathering. I appreciate everyone who supported, and just know we’re not done. It’s far from over. We still have work to do.”

As the holiday season nears, students and teachers across the state are preparing to release for a two-week Winter Break. Be on the look-out for Coach J’s upcoming community project that involves a drive-thru Toy Giveaway with hundreds of brand-new toys for the youth.