Kashmere Former Athletes Association

Jerome D Penn was born and raised in Houston Texas to the parents of Bill Penn Sr. and Audrey L. Baylor. Jerome developed an interest and desire to play football at a young age while playing with friends in the neighborhood streets and parks. While playing football for John Marshall Jr. High School he was determined to play college football, and decided he needed to locate a high school in the Houston area that would provide him with a good chance of reaching his goal. Jerome decided to attend the legendary Kashmere High School where numerous athletes developed their skills under the legendary coach Johnny B. Felder. Jerome started at offensive left guard for three years, and blocked for two of his teammates that were inducted in the Ring of Honor. He achieved all-district honors in 1981 and 1982, and in 1982 was voted first team all-district. After graduating from Kashmere High School in 1983, his next step was attending Grambling State University on a full athletic scholarship. Jerome played and started all four years for head coach Eddie G Robinson at Grambling and achieved first team all-conference honors at offensive guard in 1986. He also was selected to the All Louisiana Collegiate Football Team in 1986 by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association. Jerome was part of two S.W.A.C conference championship teams and participated in the 1985 NCAA Division 1 AA football playoffs. Kashmere High School and football played a pivotal role in preparing him for college and life beyond post-secondary education. Jerome graduated from Grambling State University in 1987 with a B.S. degree in Marketing. He later served in the role as a graduate assistant at Alcorn State University working with the football team’s offense. He obtained his M.S. Degree in Business Education from Alcorn in 1990, and in August of 1990 begin is career with the Department of Treasury (IRS). Jerome is recently retired as of September 26, 2025 after 35 years working for the I.R.S. as a Revenue Agent. Jerome is enjoying his days by frequenting local coffee shops, taking daily walks, and traveling the hill country in Texas to enjoy the sites. Jerome is very grateful for his parents, three older brothers, family members, and the many teammates he played with during his high school and college days who helped him along the way to achieve his personal and athletic endeavors. Jerome is thankful to have been coached by some of the best, because they provided discipline and life lessons in a firm but fair way. Coaches Johnny B Felder, Major Abrams, Eddie Robinson, and other coaches he encountered instilled in Jerome the importance of being a productive man in life after his playing days were over.