Johnson
Johnson
An Austin High School senior won a $10,000 scholarship for his resilience in overcoming physical challenges and his determination to excel academically.
Jaedyn R. Johnson was one of five students statewide who won an Alabama Public Television Young Heroes award, which includes the scholarship, a laptop computer and other prizes, according to APT.
He will be honored along with four other winners at a dinner April 9 at Renaissance Montgomery Hotel. The students will also visit the Alabama House and Senate for special recognition April 10.
“This is an incredible opportunity for me, and this is going to help me with college tremendously,” Johnson said. “It will help me pay for all of my college finances and all of that, so I am very thankful for everyone involved in helping get me this scholarship.”
He plans to bring his mother, sister and maybe his grandmother and other family members to the event.
Despite facing significant physical challenges stemming from skeletal dysplasia and multiple surgeries, he has consistently demonstrated resilience, determination and a positive spirit, according to his mother, Roshonda Johnson.
He maintains a 3.79 grade-point average, ranking 71st in his class of 311. He has pursued a rigorous academic path, completing seven honors classes, three Advanced Placement courses and two years of foreign language. His academic success has earned him membership in the National Honor Society and recognition with the Academic Booster Club Award.
Jaedyn Johnson, who has been accepted by the University of Alabama at Huntsville, plans to pursue a degree in engineering or business, he said.
“I also received the Jupiter C. Scholarship from UAH, which is also going to tremendously help me,” Johnson said.
For the past two years, he has served as a manager for several high school athletic programs, including football, boys basketball, baseball and wrestling. He would also like to be a sports manager at UAH, he said.
Johnson is also a third-year member of the ESports Team, a starter on the Rocket League team, and an active participant in numerous theater productions, even competing at the state level. His diverse interests extend to the archery club.
“In all his endeavors, Jaedyn actively participates in fundraising, peer collaboration and evaluations, always striving for improvement,” APT said.
Johnson’s dedication to service extends beyond the school environment. For more than 10 years, he has been an part of the Decatur Youth Enrichment program, where he has been both a participant and a leader. He volunteers two to 12 hours weekly, tutoring students from kindergarten through 12th grade. He also volunteers at Hands Across Decatur, which serves the homeless and others in need. He has collaborated with the National Honor Society on community service projects, such as a hurricane relief drive, APT said.
His work experience includes volunteering at the family business and working as a concessions vendor at Point Mallard Park.
Johnson’s journey has been marked by significant adversities, his mother said. His short stature, a result of skeletal dysplasia, has necessitated numerous surgeries on his legs, knees, hips and ankles since early childhood. These physical challenges have impacted him both socially and emotionally, requiring him to develop coping mechanisms and remarkable resilience, she said. Despite the daily discomfort and ongoing challenges, Johnson maintains a positive attitude and a determination to succeed, she said.
He has also taken on significant responsibilities at home, including caring for his younger sister.
— jean.cole@decaturdaily.com or 256-340-2361
Johnson
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