Remembering DEANDREE
DeAndree was a dedicated volunteer who fought endlessly for the city of Detroit. He was always professional, kind-hearted, and loving; his passion for serving others was exemplified in programs he organized for our mentees.
DeAndree served Caught Up as the leader of Project Re-Entry, a mentorship program designed to assist incarcerated youth make a successful transition back into the community. Since January 2017, he planned weekly mentorship sessions at two juvenile detention centers in Detroit.
He invited individuals with various areas of expertise to come to speak to incarcerated youth about preparing for college, entrepreneurship, and professional development. He often met one-on-one with mentees to provide personalized mentorship.
A former student body president at the University of Michigan, DeAndree worked in Detroit City Councilmember James Tate’s office for eight years as a policy analyst, where he gained the respect of his peers in the city government. He planned to attend the University of Michigan Law School in the fall of 2020.
Although we have lost a soldier, the impact he has made has not only left memories to cherish but a legacy that we will continue to carry on. Our staff and mentees will truly miss DeAndree.
I had the privilege of volunteering with DeAndree Watson
at Caught Up from 2018 to 2020. He was truly one of the humblest individuals I've ever been around. He was well-known in the Detroit political scene but he never let that get to him. We spent many early Sunday mornings mentoring teens at juvenile detention centers in Detroit. He was the type of guy who always gave more than he needed to. He connected with the young men on a deeper level than I ever could; he had overcome so much adversity in his life and was an inspiration to many. Rest in peace king.
- Jeremy Grant
DeAndree Watson, B.A.
May 24, 1990 - July 5, 2020
