Khijani Williams, a former Kingston College Head Boy, won the prestigious Juan Pablo Correa Scholarship at Nova Southeastern University’s (“Nova”) annual Student Life Achievement Awards in Davie, Florida on April 9, 2024.
The award is presented annually to a Nova international student in recognition of outstanding performance and service. The award honors the memory of former Nova student, Juan Pablo Correa, who made a great impact at Nova and tragically died in a car accident shortly after graduation.
Born in Kingston, Jamaica to parents Sandy Williams and Keisha Anderson, Khijani attended Wolmers Prep before entering KC in 2016.
“My uncle, Kyle Townsend, attended KC and was a former Deputy Head Boy and he was my biggest inspiration and influence in selecting KC as my first choice. The environment was quite different from prep school, and initially I needed to adjust. I even considered transferring after my first year, but my uncle, Miss Wilson (teacher), and Principal Dave Myrie reassured me that I should stay. I am glad I did”, says Khijani.
The rest, as the adage goes, is history. Khijani proceeded to excel at Kingston College serving as Head Boy in 2022-2023; Key Club Jamaica District Governor (oversaw 95 clubs and liaised with the International Key Club); was Youth Mayor of Kingston and St Andrew between 2022-2024; and was Vice-Captain of the KC Swimming team.
Academically, he obtained 9 CSECs (with seven 1s), including a distinction in Math which he achieved in 4 th Form. He later obtained 5 CAPE subjects.
After graduating in 2023, Khijani was accepted at Nova’s Huizenga Business Innovation Academy which allows entrants to complete their Bachelors and Masters in 4 years, and provides seed funding of US$20,000 for a business startup upon graduation. He is Finance major with a minor in Venture Creation and Economics, has a 4.0 GPA and made the Dean’s List in his freshman year.
“Attending all boys high school a great experience. In addition, my mother has always been very supportive of whatever I am doing whether its school work, swimming, karate, etc., and my father has always been active in my life”, says Khijani.
Khijani has adapted well to life in South Florida. “If feels like life back home and there is no culture shock because there is a huge contingent of Jamaicans, and the weather, food, music, and parties reminds me of Jamaica. In addition, the KCOBA Florida Chapter has been truly supportive, especially Audley Hewitt who, among other things, allowed me to deliver packages to his office until my dorm room was ready. In fact, the day I was moving on campus, I made the time to attend KCOBA Picnic. I am very grateful for the Fortis support.”
We are very proud of Khijani, and will continue to keep him grounded”, says his mother, Keisha.