By By KEVIN SCOTT CUTLER
Lifestyles & Features Editor
Amiar Johnson, a senior at Washington High School, won’t allow himself to be made to fit a certain mold.
A strapping young man, he is an accomplished athlete for the Pam Pack. He’s played football for four years, two for junior varsity and two for varsity, and he was a vital part of the school’s track and field program during his sophomore and junior years. In fact, last year he was third in the conference in the shot put event. That success is making him consider giving the conference title another shot this year.
“I think I could win the gold. All my competition is gone,” he said with a laugh.
Athletics aside, Johnson is still what you’d call a successful student. For example, he was elected by his peers as senior class president, one of a few African-American young men to win that honor. This is his first year in student government.
“The experience so far is kind of overwhelming,” Johnson said. “I’m more of a humble person. I was kind of surprised I won and not surprised at the same time.”
Johnson said he actively campaigned for the office and faced stiff competition from Chris Simmons and Jamie Landen, both of whom he praised for their good character and work ethic.
Although he’s a newcomer to high school politics, Johnson has embraced his role.
“Basically, my job is to look out for the needs and concerns of the senior class and to offer ideas to the rest of my senior class cabinet,” he said. The student government officers meet the first Tuesday of each month.
Balancing the diverse roles of athlete and politician is interesting, Johnson said. He plans on attending a conference to be held in New Hanover County that will draw high school class officers from across the region. It’s something he said he’s looking forward to.
“I think meeting different groups and different people outside school makes you a well-rounded person, and it could possibly open doors for me,” Johnson said.
Johnson was a member of the homecoming court at WHS this year and he’s active with the school’s DECA and Multicultural Awareness organizations. He’s also an honor roll student.
The 17-year-old son of Gregory and Christian Johnson of Washington, he was asked to speak at this year’s freshmen class orientation. He was also involved in February’s Black History Month programs at WHS, which included a series of events that shared information about the achievements of well-known African Americans. During one event, he portrayed President Barack Obama.
A native of Washington, Johnson said he’s attended church and Sunday school his entire life and has helped with revivals and youth camps. He has two younger brothers, Zaire and Sidir, and he enjoys helping out with their recreation league football team.
While not busy at school, he assists his father with the family vending business.
“I look at that as kind of an opportunity, or training, for college, where I want to pursue a business degree,” Johnson said. He’s currently weighing his college options and is particularly interested in attending Morehouse College in Georgia.