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The Power of Giving Back Through Leadership, Education, and Service

Quantez Spears, a proud Class of 2014 alumnus of Saint Martin, exemplifies perseverance, leadership, and service. From his time as a student to his ongoing career and academic growth, he has consistently pushed himself to learn and empower others. Balancing a career in healthcare with entrepreneurial ventures, Quantez remains committed to giving back to Saint Martin, the community that shaped him. His journey reflects both his passion for service and the lasting impact of the values instilled in him at Saint Martin.

Driven by a commitment to continuous learning and professional growth, Quantez graduated from Saint Martin and dedicated himself to advancing his education and expertise. He graduated from Lakeland Community College in 2019 with an Associate of Applied Science in Multi-Skilled Health Technologies. He continued to push forward with his education, earning a Bachelor of Science degree from Franklin University in 2022. He is pursuing another associate degree from Cuyahoga Community College in Applied Science with a focus on Medical Laboratory Technology.

In the professional world, Quantez works at University Hospitals as a Laboratory Operations Assistant and Medical Laboratory Technician Student Trainee. In this position, he is responsible for making reagents, collecting and processing various specimens—including blood and tissue samples—and ordering them as needed. Quantez also monitors pending test lists to ensure that patient tests are completed in a timely manner. Beyond his technical work, he trains others in phlebotomy and strives to empower them to build confidence in their skills.

His commitment to helping others is further demonstrated in his work at the Henry Johnson Center, where he supports the mission of assisting minority individuals in securing better job opportunities by providing healthcare job training. In his role within the phlebotomy program, Quantez teaches students essential skills such as patient assessment, venipuncture, capillary puncture, quality control, and the anatomy and physiology of the circulatory system, while also preparing them for the national certification exam.

While balancing a full-time job and his studies, Quantez successfully manages to run two businesses. One of his ventures, Stay PHOCUSED, is a wellness business dedicated to helping adults re-establish their fitness and exercise routines. His other company, Stay PHYNE, offers a skincare line featuring oils designed for individuals looking to enhance their skincare regimen. Through these entrepreneurial efforts, Quantez not only pursues his passions but also supports others on their wellness journeys.

Despite his busy schedule with work, studies, and two self-owned businesses, Quantez still makes time to give back to Saint Martin. “It’s easy for me to come back and help because of the culture of the school,” he shared. The strong sense of community at Saint Martin drives his commitment to service, motivating him to participate in initiatives like the food pantry, alumni panels, Professional Day, and Wonder Day. For Quantez, supporting others is not just a responsibility; it’s a reflection of the values instilled in him during his time at the school.

With a solid foundation in leadership and service, Quantez has successfully balanced his career, academic pursuits, and entrepreneurial ventures while continuing to give back to the community and people that shaped him. His journey is a testament to the profound impact of community, the importance of lifelong learning, and the power of lifting others as you succeed.