Whiz Kid: Evyn Johnson

This week’s Whiz Kid is Evyn Johnson, who is a whiz at seeing—and explaining—both sides of the story.

Whiz Kid: Evyn Johnson

Whiz Kid’s Age: 18

Whiz Kid’s School: Oakville Senior High

Whiz Kid’s Year in School: Graduating senior

Whiz Kid’s Accomplishment: Received “Honorable Mention” in a newspaper commentary in the Sponsors of School Publications (SSP) of Greater St. Louis’ March 2011 journalism conference.

Whiz Kid’s Key to Awesomeness: Evyn Johnson isn’t afraid to stand up for what she believes in. Her strong feelings against the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy led her to write a moving commentary for the OHS student newspaper. The commentary was later entered into the SSP journalism conference, where it received an honorable mention.

“I felt that the bill was archaic and should be abolished…it went against the rights of our country’s bravest men and women,” Johnson said.

Johnson began her study of journalism her sophomore year, and ended up taking on more responsibility for the newspaper each subsequent year.

 “I fell in love with writing and also with learning about OHS and then getting to share with the study body what I learned,” Johnson said.

Johnson will attend Southeast Missouri State University in the fall, where she intends to study drama and broadcasting, with the hopes of someday becoming a film director.