To retired after 36 years of teaching
WARSAW, IL --
Students, staff, parents and even former students are singing the praises of an excellent educator these days.
Miss Lynn Johnson has taught music in Warsaw for 36 years.
She plans to retire at the end of this year.
But her replacement will have some big shoes to fill.
Those who nominated Miss Johnson say she's been instrumental in keeping the school district's drama program alive and thriving.
They say she's spent many extra hours throughout her career, helping students rehearse for play performances.
KHQA's Rajah Maples surprised and rewarded the excellent educator earlier today for an award-winning performance.
Miss Lynn Johnson says, "I grew up in a Baptist Church, and I had the opportunity growing up to work with junior choir and children there. I enjoyed doing that. I was a very shy child growing up. I found that music helped me get in front of people and develop. I wanted to share that with other kids."
"I've been given opportunities to work with all ages of children. I've enjoyed the variety of doing that," Johnson says.
"You don't always get prepared for what teaching is really like when you're in college," she says. "You have to go out and experience it. Relating to children is always a challenge. Knowing where they're coming from, the problems they deal with, what will inspire them and motivate them is a challenge."
"Soon, I'm going to walk away, but I'll always be able to remember that I have helped kids," Johnson says.
What's next?
She says, "I want to clean my house up before I die. {laugh} I think maybe there's some missionary work that I might like to be a part of. I'd like to get my body back in shape and exercise." >
You can catch Miss Johnson's 20th and last production as Warsaw's vocal director this week.
Students will perform "Bye Bye Birdie" at Warsaw High School March 19-21.
Miss Lynn Johnson's nominations
Dear KHQA,
I want to tell you about an excellent educator who deserves to be recognized for her dedication. Lynn Johnson is the K-12 choral instructor at Warsaw Community Unit District #316. She has taught 30+ years and has given so much to make her program work at all levels. Because our high school students are so busy and can't always fit chorus into their schedule, she has early-bird chorus for them to come before school. She has parent/community programs for various grade levels that are very entertaining and creative. I remember one event where the students were dressed as Bugs in a litter bug themed program. Another program that stands out was when a live pony was used to carry a student to the stage for a western themed program. Miss Johnson has been instrumental in keeping our drama program alive and thriving. Every year we put on a wonderful musical that includes singing, dancing, extravagant costumes, outstanding stage props and terrific acting. This doesn't happen by itself. Lynn spends nearly every night here at school from December to March working with the students. The small amount of stipend she may receive would never cover the amount of hours she dedicates to her students. She definitely doe not do any of this for the money. Miss Johnson is going to retire soon, and we will never be able to replace what she has given to our students and school. I sincerely hope that you will consider meeting Miss Johnson and honoring her with the KHQA Excellent Educator Award.
Sincerely yours, Pam Thill, coworker and parent of students she has taught
I would like to nominate Lynn Johnson from the Warsaw #316 school district for the excellent educator award. I have taught with Lynn for 25 years here at Warsaw Elementary. Lynn is our K-12 music teacher which involves the high school chorus as well. Along with the daily schedule at school, she has done so much after school and weekend work. She has been involved in our productions-which have been quite successful-for as long as I can remember. Anytime someone wants some special music done, Lynn is there. She always goes the extra mile with the students and expects nothing in return. Lynn will be retiring this year, and she will be so missed! Lynn deserves to be recognized as an EXCELLENT EDUCATOR!!!!!!!Please consider her. Thank you.
Sue Zinn, 4th Grade Teacher |
My name is Melody Carr and I have taught with Lynn Johnson for 28 years. She is one of a kind. I have a son who has had her for a teacher all through his 13 years of school. She gives more of herself than any teacher I know. When she is not working with them on school activites she might just be working with them on singing at church as well. She does an early bird chorus program so students that can't get the class through the day can still be in chorus. She spends extra time doing plays with our elementary students, taking several classes at a time so the play can be a success. I also know she spend many hours with the High School and our play productions. She stays in the backgound but is the backbone of the program. I could go on and on about Lynn Johnson but I won't. I know she doesn't get the glory that a winning coach does but she is a winning teacher and hopefully you will give her the Excellent Educator award because I don't believe that there is anyone else that could deserve it more than she does. She is retiring at the end of this school year and will be greatly missed in more ways than you can imagine.
Sincerely, Melody Carr
I would like to nominate a music teacher from Warsaw, Lynn Johnson, for your excellent Educator award. She has given 150% of herself for many years. She is retiring after this year. She puts extra hours doing plays for drama and musicals for the little elementary students. Every sudent in the building knows and loves Miss Johnson. Alumni speak of her with fondness.
She is award-winning.
Thanks, Mrs. Diane LeMaire, 5th grade teacher at Warsaw Elementary
I nominate Lynn Johnson from Warsaw High School. She has done sooooo much
for me and my own children in the music field. A very dedicated teacher.
I can't say enough good things about her. She reaches out to all types of
students.
Thank you, Gena Dewald (former student)
I would like to nominate Lynn Johnson from Warsaw Unit #316 as an excellent educator. Miss Johnson has been a music teacher in the district for MANY years. In fact, she started teaching here when I was in 5th or 6th grade & I am now 45 years old! She has always gone above & beyond for the students here at Warsaw. This is especially true during times of contest, competitions, musicals, etc. She puts in MANY hours. She will be retiring this year and I think this would be a fitting tribute to her years of service.
Sincerely, Cheryl Gerhardt
I would like to nominate Miss J, Lynn Johnson, for the excellent educator award. She has taught chorus at Warsaw IL for 36 years and is retiring this year. She has been a valuable asset to our community. She is actively involved in the fine arts program and is the backbone of the musical/choral department. She has been the musical vocal director for 20 years. She has pushed hard to get our auditorium refurbished with the recent addition of new seating. Much needed theatre stage lights were installed several years ago due to her persistence. She has touched many lives both students and community. We can only hope that after her retirement she will come back to help because she will be greatly missed.
Shelley Travis, Musical director WHS
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