Cashara Quinn graduates from Hampton University May 9 with Degree in Journalism, headed to work at Fox affiliate in Florida
Andre Johnson 
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9 NIV)
DESTINED TO IMPROVE
Tamika Quinn took the time recently to educate the media on the meaning of her oldest daughter’s distinctly unique name.
“Cashara means constantly improving in life,” Quinn, during a recent interview with Making Headline News during its 2021 Salute To Graduate Tributes, said, referring to her daughter, Cashara Essence Quinn.
To her credit, Cashara Quinn is steadfastly proving she’s true to her name.
Suitably named after her late father, Casha Quinn, Cashara is about take yet another massive step toward her destiny when she graduates from “the illustrious” Hampton University during the historically black college’s commencement exercises on May 9.
Cashara Quinn’s rise to becoming a college graduate comes amid humble beginnings and a little less than four years to the date she acquired her high school diploma from Chesapeake, Virginia’s Grassfield High School (June 16, 2017).
ABOUT HAMPTON UNIVERSITY: https://www.hamptonu.edu/
For Cashara’s mother, meanwhile, that she’s about to witness her middle child earn the most covenant award for a college undergraduate is a monumental, life-altering achievement that, in all likelihood, will give way to her being overcome by emotion, especially since it will all unfold on Mother’s Day.
Having sustained the Dean’s List status throughout her undergraduate tenure, Cashara Quinn will graduate Magna Cum Laude.
“I feel like it’s the best Mother’s Day gift ever,” Tamika said of her daughter’s forthcoming milestone. “Cashara is not only a graduate, but also an honors graduate of the Freddye T. Davy Honors College of Hampton University. It is a prestigious distinction. Her courses throughout her four-year tenure have been particularly vigorous and had an emphasis on leadership and excellence.”
LEADING BY EXAMPLE
Not to mention an emphasis on her keen ability to — you guessed it — constantly improve in life.
When Cashara Quinn’s name is uttered by the Dean of her college, she will officially possess a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism (she minored in Spanish).
Having a cumulative grade point average of 3.7 as an undergraduate, Cashara Quinn was a fixture on Hampton’s campus, having participated in what her mother describes as a “plethora” of activities, most notably:
- Freddye T. Davy Honor’s College
- Inaugural President of Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society
- Member of Golden Key International Honor Society
- Member of NABJ National Association of Black Journalist
- Writer for HerCampus
- Reporter at WHOV-TV
- WOW Praise Dance Team
- Miss Phi Beta Sigma Scholarship Pageant
- Impressions of Beauty Ambassador and,
- President’s Cup Award Committee Member
“In addition to her many achievements at school, Cashara continued to reach high levels of success outside of school as well,” said Tamika Quinn, alluding to her daughter’s involvement as President of G.L.A.M. Girl Giving Life and Motivation Inc., a credible nonprofit organization that is widely known for focusing on educating and preventing heart disease and stroke in the black community.
At 27 years of age, Tamika Quinn suffered consecutive strokes, which left half of her body paralyzed. She also sustained cognitive brain deficits “that I still deal with,” she told Making Headline News during a June 2017 interview, although her condition has since progressed considerably.
All things considered, though, Cashara steadfastly remained focused on academics and, most importantly, diligently stayed in faith, something by which she was taught, particularly when she transitioned from high school to college.
Much to her delight, she’s constantly improved in life, as evidenced by what is about to take place on Mother’s Day.
“Cashara has aspired to become a news reporter for many years,” Tamika Quinn said. “She’s pursued that goal and made it a reality.”
After graduation, Cashara Quinn will them assume a producer position with WFTX News 4, a Fox affiliate in Fort Myers, Florida.
Like Sunday’s ceremony, Cashara vacating Virginia in the coming days, in all likelihood, will leave her mother teary-eyed for all the right reasons.
“As sad as it is thinking of her leaving the nest, I am beyond proud of her accomplishing her goals,” Tamika Quinn said. “Graduation is just the beginning, and I am looking forward to watching her continue to grow in her career path, but also looking forward to watching her continue to blaze a path for her little sister and other young people in our family.”
As it turned out, staying close to home to enroll at Hampton, by all accounts, benefited Cashara Quinn mightily, although Atlanta’s Spelman College initially was her primary choice.
“Cashara has truly excelled at Hampton University,” Tamika Quinn said. “I’m very pleased that she truly made Hampton University her ‘Home By The Sea.’ I’m convinced she was right where she was supposed to be.”
All the while defying arguably the toughest odds in the process.
“She was only 12 years old and in middle school when her father passed away from thyroid cancer,” her mother recalls. “She had already been bullied in elementary school due to her weight and, despite these obstacles, she has excelled in every area of her life and rose to every occasion. I know her father is beyond proud and smiling down from heaven, watching her shine bright like a diamond.”
All of which practically sums up why Mother’s Day 2021 is one the Quinn family will remember for years to come.
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“When I hear them call her name on graduation day, I will feel like it will be official, but she’s already reached her goal in my mind when she accepted her job offer,” Tamika Quinn said of her daughter, who has interned for WTVF virtual Channel 5, a CBS-affiliated that’s based in Nashville, Tennessee. “My family can’t believe how excited I am about her leaving home as much as being an overbearing and overprotective parent as I’ve been. I know she’s ready. This next step in life she has been prepared for, so I’m at peace with her stepping into this new frontier. I’m proud and happy for her to begin this journey.”
All the while improving in life.
Constantly, to put it more precisely.
MAKING HEADLINE NEWS SALUTE TO CASHARA QUINN
TAMIKA QUINN’S OPEN LETTER TO HER DAUGHTER
Cashara has always been very special. Her demeanor is peaceful and she’s a giver. She exemplifies God in her daily walk and makes us tremendously proud. My greatest prayer for her is that she continues to put God first in everything she does. He will guide her. Congratulations to my Cha. I love you so much. Continue to make your Daddy and me proud. This road has not been easy, and I would like to acknowledge our tribe. The folks who have consistently had our backs: The grandparents, Eric Holiday, Denise Mitchell and Cynthia Quinn, as well as the Godparents, Earl and Delores Polite. We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for your role in Cashara’s journey. We celebrate with you all. Our girl did it! Class of 2021!
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Andre Johnson is the award-winning Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former staff reporter of sports for the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send email to [email protected] or to [email protected]. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist or Instagram at @makingheadlinenews.
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