Anita Jo Laventon O’Neal is a native Houstonian who attended Kashmere Senior High School from 1982-1986. She graduated in the top 15% of her class. Anita was a proud member of the volleyball, basketball and golf teams at KG. In 1984, she played on the Varsity Golf Team, which won the District Championship. After winning District, the team advanced to the Regional Rounds. She earned her letterman’s jacket during her sophomore year as a member on the golf team. Her coaches were Coach Shatzner, Coach Ortiz (Freshman Basketball), Coach Danny Thomas (Junior Varsity Volleyball), Mrs. O. Harris (Varsity Volleyball), Ms. Thomas (Varsity Golf) and Coach Oscar O’Gilvie (Varsity Basketball). Anita was elected as a 12th-grade attendant and “Campus Cutie” by her senior class. Anita was a “Majorette” for the Thunder Soul marching band. She was also a member of the Office Education Association under the direction of Mrs. Tinker. Anita competed in speaking competitions within this organization, earning awards for her writing and speaking skills. She was selected to be a Thundersoul Majorette, which she thoroughly enjoyed during her senior year. Her sponsor was Ms. C. Jackson. Anita auditioned and was chosen to speak at the Commencement Exercises held at the Astro Arena, where she introduced the guest speaker.
She attended Mirabeau B. Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas. While at Lamar she served as an ambassador to incoming freshman and worked in Student Support Services under the leadership of Dr. Robert Lee and Dr. Loyce Sinegal. She was an active member of the Criminal Justice Association and played an integral role in Intramural Sports as an office assistant. She also worked with Y.O.U. (Youth Opportunities Unlimited) which was spear-headed by Dr. Lorraine Stone. Anita completed her internship at the Jefferson County Juvenile Detention Center in Beaumont, Texas. In December of 1990, she obtained her Associate of Science degree in Law Enforcement and Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. After graduation, Anita worked for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Pardons and Paroles Division, as a Parole Officer for approximately six and a half years. In 1997, she decided to switch careers and joined the insurance industry as a claims adjuster on the Fire Team. After two years, she became a licensed agent with Farmers Insurance. She went on to work for various companies as an agent until she decided to go back to her first love (Criminal Justice
In 2007, Anita obtained employment with Harris County Pretrial Services as a Pretrial Officer, where she is currently employed today as a Judicial Liaison Officer. She plans to retire in November of 2027 after 20 years of service. Her hobbies include traveling, cruising, and attending Broadway shows, plays and concerts. Anita attends Grace Church One in Humble Texas. She would like to acknowledge her mother, Sharlette Laventon; her siblings Vidal and Articia; sister-in-law, T’shanna; daughters, Danielle and Holly; nieces, nephews and great-nephew. Anita loved her time at Kashmere. She had many great experiences there and remains an active alumna of KG, giving back to the school consistently. She believes she learned perseverance, hard work, and determination as a student at Kashmere.
