Name: Larry W. Johnson, Jr.
Occupation: Executive Director of Talent & Organizational Development
Employer: Akron Public Schools
Name of High School: Buchtel High School
Location (City/State): Akron, Ohio
Name of College (1): Defiance College
Location (City/State): Defiance, Ohio
Name of College (2): The University of Akron
Location (City/State): Akron, Ohio
Please state the reason(s) you are supporting Project GRAD Akron and raising funds for the scholarship fund. I believe in supporting students to pursue their dreams. Project GRAD Akron helps make sure those dreams are realized. Any way I can help with raising scholarship funds for Akron students to attend college, count me in!
Name of your favorite teachers and what made these persons special to you: I have a tie for my favorite teachers. Both were strong, professional women, who refused to allow me to accept anything from myself than my best, AND they were among few educators who saw something in me that I couldn’t recognize, and they required me to set a course to better. Mrs. Vivian Neal (third grade Rankin Annex) and Dr. Flora Dees (counselor at Buchtel High School). To this day, if I see either of these women, I stand up straighter, and enunciate my words with just a little more intentionality.
What were some of your most enjoyable times in school? (preschool through college): One of my favorite memories in high school was winning the first MORP (Sadie Hawkins) step show at Buchtel my Junior and Senior year. On the heels of School Daze, this was my real first participation in a step show, and ignited a desire to join a fraternity.
Looking back over the years, what advice would you give to your high school self or college self? Your mother is right. Rules are like computer programming. The best hackers know the code better than the developers. Learn the rules, before you break them.
Favorite quote: “God will put you back together, in front of the people who broke you.”