Johnson recognized for service to community and school

Post date: Apr 05, 2013 3:45:54 PM

The Wells-Ogunquit CSD School Committee recognized the community and school service of one of its employees, Bailey Johnson, at the Committee’s March 6th meeting.

“I have heard a lot of really good comments about how dedicated she is to her job,” said Chair Russell Fox. “I was really impressed with that.”

Fox’s remarks refer, in part, to Johnson’s work at Wells Junior High School in the ‘Bridges Program’ as a Special Education Technician (Ed Tech) and her extracurricular involvement with the WJHS Chorus, Color Guard, Parade Guard, and newly created Winter Guard. Johnson has also provided musical direction for several school musical productions.

Fox presented Johnson with a certificate that read, “In recognition and appreciation for all you do for WOCSD and the community, including performing at The Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital.”

Johnson and a vocal group she helped to form called Encore have performed at various venues in the Wells area but, perhaps, most notably at the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital at Maine Medical Center in Portland (BBCH).

“It was extremely humbling; it came as a total surprise,” wrote Johnson when asked to comment about the School Committee recognition. “I do what I do because I truly love working with kids and serving others, especially through music and performing. Of course, I don't do any of these things for recognition, but I feel very grateful that Mr. Fox and other members of WOCSD took the time to notice what I do and present me with this award.”

In the community Johnson serves is a Youth Pastor at the Ogunquit Baptist Church where she sings in the church choir and performs in the ‘Praise Band.’

Early in 2013, Johnson and team members of the Winter Guard in Wells formed a fundraising program called ‘GUARDians’ to raise money and awareness for BBCH. Throughout the Winter Guard season, audience members at various shows as well as members of the general public were able to donate to BBCH through the GUARDians. Johnson indicated that 100% of money raised by the GUARDians goes directly to BBCH. This year there were 19 area businesses that supported the work of the GUARDians.

“I spent a decent amount of time in a children's hospital as a kid and I remember feeling so blessed that I wasn't dealing with the illnesses and conditions that so many of the children around me were facing. All those kids and their families have a special place in my heart, and I enjoy doing things to support our local children's hospital. Having the kids I work with get involved for such a great cause that can help them both gain an appreciation for all the positive things in their lives, and help them find pleasure in serving others, is a great honor.”

Johnson is a 2006 graduate of Wells High School and a current student at Berklee College of Music in Boston. After high school graduation she worked as a substitute teacher at WJHS before eventually becoming an Ed Tech. Mr. Fox also pointed out that Johnson had successfully filled in as substitute for a music teacher who had been absent for an extended period of time due to illness.

Bailey Johnson is the daughter of David and Julie Johnson of Wells.

Caption: Bailey Johnson and WOCSD School Committee Chair Russell Fox.