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Follow Je'Sani's story
A legacy never forgotten: Jesani Smith
Saturday May 23, 2020
Kiwana Denson says she created a website designed to bring awareness and educate the public on beach safety and rip currents.
"Je'Sani Smith Beach Safety Alert" being put into place just in time for Spring Break
Saturday May 23, 2020
Electronic message boards will be put on the J.F.K. Causeway, the ferry, and county beaches so people can be warned of dangerous rip currents in the ocean.
Je'Sani Smith's #12 jersey retired at King High School
Friday January 31, 2020
Je’Sani Smith was a senior and a talented member of the King High School basketball team. The school will honored him by retiring his number 12 jersey.
Beach Safety Awareness Task Force raises rip current awareness in preparation for spring break
Thursday January 23, 2020
The Coastal Bend is about 60 days out from the traditional spring break holiday, which is a time when thousands of visitors and locals descend on the Island beaches.
Mother of drowning victim advocates beach safety ahead of Spring Break
Tuesday January 7, 2020
A Corpus Christi mom who's son drowned during a trip to the beach in April of 2019 is advocating water safety when it comes to rip currents.
Tues. Basketball 12/3: King boys top West Oso
Tuesday December 3, 2019
The Mustangs defended the homecourt against the Bears 80-58. The team wore 'King Sani' shirts to honor their fallen teammate.
Je'Sani Smith's mother heads to Austin to fight for rip current awareness
November 19, 2019
Kiwana Denson, is now heading to Austin to speak to state agencies about adding rip current signage and alerts for people who visit the coastline.
'Over the Edge' takes fundraising to new heights
October 26, 2019
Participants rappelled along the side of the Holiday Inn Marina Hotel in efforts to raise funds for Del Mar College students. The funds raised will also directly support the Je'Sani Smith Memorial Scholarship.
Coastal Bend leaders discuss beach safety
August 22, 2019
State Rep. Todd Hunter joined Nueces County Commissioner Brent Chesney Thursday to discuss beach safety -- namely dangerous rip currents and putting out alerts through the Reverse Alert system.
Drowning victim's family leads rip current warning efforts
July 10, 2019
Since 18-year-old Je'Sani Smith's tragic drowning in April, his family has led a number of efforts to increase awareness of rip currents.
Drowning victim's mother working to raise awareness of dangerous rip currents
July 10, 2019
A Corpus Christi mother addressed Nueces County Commissioners to raise awareness about potentially deadly rip currents.
County Commissioner, Corpus Christi mother propose beach awareness resolution
July 6, 2019
Resolution proposed to name July 2019 Beach Safety and Rip Current Awareness Month.
Resident aims to include rip current warnings in statewide Reverse Alert system
June 3, 2019
When you go to area beaches you will see warning flags and signs telling people about the conditions of the water.
Je'sani Smith's Brother Accepts Honorary Diploma
June 1, 2019
At the 2019 King High School graduation in Corpus Christi, Texas, Terrance Denson Jr. accepted his brother's honorary diploma in a heartwarming ceremony. Read more here
Smith family hopes to boost water safety awareness with Je’Sani Smith Scholarship
May 24, 2019
After her son’s passing, Kiwana Denson plans to continue moving forward by giving back to King High School and awarding students a potentially life-saving scholarship. Read more here
Coastal Bend community gather to remember King High School Student
April 19, 2019
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Dozens of people gathered at a vigil Friday night for King High School student 18-year-old Je'Sani Smith.
King High School student Je'Sani Smith remembered for his joy
April 15, 2019
Terrance Denson Jr. told a crowd of King High School students and teachers about the time his older brother, Je'Sani Smith, helped him build a LEGO set. Read more here
Je’Sani Smith’s parents remember “humble, kind” son
April 15, 2019
“We lose good people all the time, but we shouldn’t lose great people all the time,” said Je’Sani’s father, Terrance Denson.
King High School senior Je'Sani Smith missing after swimming on Padre Island
April 12, 2019
About two dozen Corpus Christi high school seniors gathered at Whitecap Beach Thursday to have a good time. Some decided to go for a swim.
Missing swimmer identified by members of King High School community
April 12, 2019
The search continues today for an 18-year-old King High School student who vanished yesterday afternoon while swimming off Whitecap Beach.