Wayne County Life

Johnson, whose maiden name was Damick until she married Stephen Johnson, an electrician, in October, graduated from NHS in 2009 and began teaching at NHS in 2015. She spoke at the event where grades 10, 11, and 12 students who earned an average of 90 or better during each quarter of the 2015-16 school year were recognized for their outstanding achievement.

NHS special education teacher Chelsea DeGroote who coordinated the event commended the math teacher, a Newark native, for setting goals early and not being satisfied until she achieved them.

“. . . Mrs. Johnson is the quintessence of accomplishing her ambitions and following her dreams of achievement which have led to her success. She started out in the same way as you, sitting in the same desks you sit in every day! Mrs. Johnson set goals in her life and took charge of how she was going to accomplish them. She is the epitome of personal victory.”

Then Johnson, who earned her bachelor’s degree in mathematics from RIT and her master’s degree in education at SUNY Brockport, commended the students being recognized.

“First, I want to say that this night is all about celebrating your success,” Johnson, a second year math teacher and co-coordinator of the NHS Capstone graduation program and freshmen mentor program, Link Crew, told students and their guests in the NHS cafeteria.

“You are all here because you are successful in the classroom and deserve to be recognized for it. You should be proud of this achievement and continue to strive for it everyday.”

Explaining she’d been invited to share what she thinks success looks like, Johnson shared keys on how to be successful in and outside of school by providing a snapshot of her own experiences.

“I think of myself as a success,” she continued. “ I was successful in High School like all of you. I worked hard to achieve good grades while being a three-sport athlete. I participated in many different clubs in high school and made many friends who I am still very close to today. When I went off to college, I continued to work hard to achieve my goals."

“I, like many people, had a few setbacks along the way, but I still consider myself a success. Not only because I got a job right out of college. I set a goal very early on in life on becoming a math teacher, I continued to strive for that goal even when I encountered set backs. I was successful because of the friends and family I had supporting me along the way. I chose to not measure success by just receiving good grades. Success is measured by the lifestyle you choose to live."

Johnson then told students to strive for success outside of academics.

“It is important to be kind to others,’’ she said. “Be respectful, go above and beyond to help others with their problems. If you can’t help them, just listen when they need you to."

“Going beyond the classroom will allow you all to find your own journey in life. It is important for you all to see that you are a product of Newark High School. I am a product of Newark High School and I chose a path to come back here to have an impact on student’s lives. Eight of my best friends graduated with me in 2009. We are all in different parts of the United States, all on a different path, and I believe we are all being successful."

“I hope you all embrace being a part of Newark High School and embrace the quality education you are receiving and have it allow you to set goals and high expectations for creating your own path in life. When we talk about your individual path I want you to remember something. This is YOUR path! This is your chance to choose the path you want to take that will eventually become your lifestyle.”

Then she asked students if they expect to make mistakes and have setbacks along the way.

“I would be surprised if some of you are answering ‘no’ to those questions,” Johnson continued. “It is not a bad thing to make mistakes. I learned some of the most important lessons in life while I was overcoming obstacles. Mistakes will help you learn and help shape your path in life.”

The math teacher then told students the other important part about creating their path in life is setting goals for themselves.

“Start setting goals early,” she said. “Think about the attending a good college. Maybe think about taking a class that might be out of your comfort zone. Join a new club, attend a new event. Make new friends. Take advantage of the opportunities you have in life and the opportunity to be successful in anything you may choose. We are all products of this community and I hope you all continue to strive to be successful.”

Dinner guests, including Superintendent Matt Cook, Krista Lewis, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, Jen Singer, NCSD Director of Pupil Services, Board of Education members Susie Earl and Yvonne MacTaggart, other parents and guests affirmed Johnson’s sentiments with hearty applause.

Then NHS principal Tom Roote and Assistant Principal Ryan Wagner presented students with certificates of recognition for their academic achievement. In all, 100 students met the academic requirements for the award, but not all were able to attend.

Class of 2107 students recognized included: Ekaterina Barrett, Dylan Bianchi, Nina Bishop, Ryan Blair, Jillian Blodgett, Forrest Blondell, Evelyn Childs, Jackson Correia, Bandon Custer, Tiffany Gilligan, Joseph Goodman, Alexandra House, Amanda Hutteman, Thomas Jensen, Emily Johnson, Shaniah Jones, Jacob Lindberg, Ian MacTaggart, Emma Meeks, Diego Mendoza-Romero, Zechariah Nower, Kassidy Paddock, Emily Reinardt, Lauren Shroo, Brian Sharp, Carly Shear, Kalista Swan, Katherine Thoms and Ryan Velte.

Class of 2017 Back row from left: Katie Thoms, Emily Reinhardt, Ian MacTaggart, Amanda Hutteman Front Row: Jackson Correia, Joe Goodman, Evie Childs, Jillian Blodgett, Dylan Bianchi