Vidal Laventon a native Houstonian was born in Kashmere Gardens and later moved to Trinity Gardens. He attended J.C. McDade, Francis Scott Key and Kashmere Sr. High School. He is a proud graduate of Kashmere, class of “91”. During his time at Kashmere, he was the Quarterback, Three-year Letterman, and Captain of the football team for four years. He was also a member of the Fighting Rams Basketball and 19-5A District Champs Track team. Kashmere was an integral part of his development; it was embedded in him to believe beyond his unwavering thoughts to achieve his dreams. Kashmere re-enforced the values (integrity, commitment to excellence, kindness and generosity) that my mom, church family and the community instilled in me.
Upon Graduation, he was offered a football scholarship to attend Langston University. While attending Langston, he set several single game records (240 receiving yards, (5) touchdowns and 16 receptions). In 1996, he received several awards – team Most Valuable Player, First Team all-conference and 2nd team all-American. He graduated from Langston University with a Bachelor of Science degree; from there he went on to obtain his Master’s in Business Administration. For the past 28 years, he has worked in the telecommunication industry. During this time, he participated in research and development, while building ubiquitous telecommunication networks around the world, which includes Shenzhen China, Nairobi Kenya, Amsterdam Netherlands, Seoul South Korea, Belmopan Belize, Montreal Quebec and The United States. Currently, he is the Executive Director of Engineering and Operations for Crown Castle Corporation, the largest wireless infrastructure company in the United States. His current responsibilities include leading a team of 353-members spanning 7 states and Puerto Rico. He is currently a member of Crossover Bible Fellowship, National Society of Black Engineers, National Black MBA Association and Langston University Alumni Association. He enjoys spending time with his family, working on his farm, traveling, listening to music, meeting new people and mentoring young adults.
With humility, I am forever grateful to be inducted into the Kashmere Former Athletes Association. Standing with decades of excellence and tradition while representing such a prestigious school. Special thanks to Kashmere FAA nomination committee, my teammates, Coach Briggs, Coach Dunham, Coach Gant, Coach Brazos, Ms. Kestenbaum, Mr. President, Ms Reynolds and Ms. Potts. For believing in me while providing the fundamentals of success, to think further than I could anticipate and pouring an unwavering confidence into me – on and off the field. To my mom (Sharlette Laventon) – Thanks for laying the building blocks of life, your generosity, work ethic and love has propelled me into the man I am today. To my sisters Anita O’Neal (fellow inductee) and Articia (Nikki) Clinton – Thank you for standing with me throughout this journey, your honesty and willingness to go above and beyond for your brother means the world to me. To my children (Kiersten, Tristan and Trevor), I am honored to be your father, and I pray that GOD fulfill your dreams as he has done for me. Walk with integrity and let the spirit of GOD flow through you. Lastly, special thanks to the love of my life (T’Shanna Smith-Laventon), I honor you for standing with me during good and bad times, walking through unfamiliar doors with faith and believing in my dreams. Scripture tells me – “A man who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD”. I can stand tall and tell the world for the last 31 years, you have truly been a blessing in my life and without you I am nothing.
