The Hometown Treasure May 2012 | Page 6

Principal Retiring... cont. from 1 get into school administration,” said Johnston. After attaining his Master in Education degree at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Mr. Johnston was offered his first school administration position as assistant principal, at Bishop Luers High School in Fort Wayne. He spent two years as assistant principal before he became Bishop Dwenger’s principal. In 1992, after spending four years at Bishop Dwenger, Mr. Johnston’s next stop was as Lakeland Middle School’s assistant principal and athletic director. He spent ten years at Lakeland as a member of the administrative staff, working both at Lakeland Middle School and at Lakeland High School. Johnston exclaimed, “I had a very positive relationship with Lakeland principal Rick Gregg. He let me do my job.” Westview School Corporation hired Mr. Johnston to be their first ever Junior High School principal in 2000. When asked about some of his memories at Westview, Johnston was quick to say, “The death of Ryan Gilson left a lasting impact personally and for Westview as a whole. I remember that day like it was yesterday.” As a result of that tragedy, a crisis team was organized at the school and a defibrillator was purchased. (Gilson’s death occurred in gym class as a result of a heart defect). Johnston’s other memories are happier memories of attending sporting and musical events at the school. “The most joy comes from watching the students succeed, when the ‘light bulb comes on,’ and you know that they got it,” exclaimed Johnston. Johnston went on to say, “Nobody cares more about their students than Westview. They are second to none.” He continued by saying, “The kids at Westview get individual attention that they wouldn’t get at most other schools. We also get a lot of support from parents which you don’t see as much of at other schools.” Mr. Johnston complimented continued on next page pg 4 · The Hometown Treasure · May ‘12 From Commercial to Consumers We’ve Got Ya Covered! Model # 901028 Tiller (Rear Tine) Duel Direction Tine • 17” • 6hp • Robin 00 Sale $799 Model # 915159 Zoom 42” 20HD Sale $249900 Model # 911184 Walk Mower Sale $69900 Pick up & Delivery Available. Financing Available Kawasaki Engines • Hydrostatic & Gear Drive • 32" - 61" cuts Fixed & Floating Decks • Electric/start on some models. Prices start at $249900 ZT D H Sale Price $5 99 1 Model #988159 ProWalk61” Fry’s Repair Shop ZTR Model #991084 Dan & Glen Fry • 5300 S SR 5, Topeka, IN 46571 • 260-593-3228 • M-F 7-5; Sat. 7-3