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"Upon the subject of education I view it as the most important subject we as a people can be engaged in." -Abraham Lincoln.

LINCOLNBICENTENNIAL HERO:
MRS. JANET JOHNSON

by Emily from Shelbyville

My teacher this year, Mrs. Janet Johnson, who loves to laugh and have fun, has taught me this quote well. Like Lincoln, she too believes that education is the most important thing Americans can be involved in. Also, they both have a love of books. She's my language arts, social studies, and reading teacher. Mrs. Johnson said so on Channel 3 News when our school was interviewed as one of seven Lincoln Legacy schools in Michigan. Not only her views on education, but her teaching of education is so amazing too! I can always ask her anything about what we're learning and she'll clarify it and make sure I understand.

When you first meet Mrs. Johnson you might think to yourself how can she be a hero? Yet she's my hero. She always says, "Don't judge a book by its cover." I personally think she should be as famous as any singer or movie star but not for the same reason. She's an interesting teacher (interesting in a good way). She's not scared to do something others might not try. On President Lincoln's 200th birthday celebration she hired a carriage to drop off "Lincoln" and we were the only school to do anything like that. A quote of Abraham Lincoln's that reminds me of her is, "I am young and unknown to many of you. I was born and ever remained in the most humble walks of life. I have no wealthy or popular relations to recommend me."

Mrs. Johnson and Abraham Lincoln both exhibit perseverance of death. Mrs. Johnson's father died in the morning of an October day. Lincoln's mother, first girlfriend, and son's Eddie and Willie, all died. When Mrs. Johnson's father died, she didn't miss too many days of school, only three. Then the weeks after it, she was strong yet gloomy and stayed on track. Her son lives in Washington, DC, gave her an idea for a project that make her feel refueled and re-energized. When Lincoln's mother died, it was hard for him to deal with her death because he was only nine years old. His father remarried and his new stepmother inspired a love of reading and learning. Then after Willie died, he went into an emotional downturn. He had his presidency and the Civil War to help him stay distracted from Willie's death.

Mrs. Johnson, my Lincoln hero, has impacted my life and the lives of others by teaching us to go beyond our normal limits of thinking, even telling us openly that we can do better and expects us to do so. She has us think outside of the box and she comes up with kooky games to get our "brain juice" flowing. Mrs. Johnson has also impacted my life and other peoples lives by teaching us to be more responsible for our work and our actions. She's not afraid to give us warnings or timeouts for doing something wrong.

People should be like Mrs. Johnson and President Lincoln and show these traits because they will help you to get farther in this world. In the real world, you will have to persevere through many challenging obstacles and being told that you will need to step it up and do better. Also, in the real world, you need an education to get a good job. Not just going to college but to do your very best there to achieve your goal in life and getting enough respect to truly be free. "Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves."

Written by Emily from Shelbyville
This story has been submitted by a guest user and does not necessarily represent the views of The My Hero Project or its staff.



 


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Elie Wiesel 
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Honest Abe Do you know why Lincoln was called "Honest Abe?"Impressions of a National Hero: Abe Lincoln Reflections on the character and heart of Lincoln.Jerry King 
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Lincoln Reading List: K-6 A reading list for young readers, in Kindergarten through 6th grade.Lincoln Reading List: Young Adults A reading list for students in grades 7-12, and curious adults, too.Lincoln's Experiences with Slavery Lincoln believed that slavery was a grave injustice to all and an enormous crime.Lincoln's Family  Mr. Lincoln was devoted to his wife and three sons
Lincoln's Humor & Personality Lincoln made many friends and relieved many tense situations through his wit.Lincoln's Love of Pets & Children Lincoln had a particular fondness and sensitivity towards pets and children.Lincoln's Personality Lincoln's values, actions, and personal traits earned him respect and friendship.Lincoln's Physical Courage Lincoln used his physical courage and stature to become a peacemaker.
Lincoln's Sons What was it like to have Lincoln as a father? Learn here.Martin Benjamin Diephuis 
Marilyn's father not only resembled 'Honest Abe' in appearance, but also in action.
Mohammed the Fifth and Abraham Lincoln were courageous leaders who fought for freedom and equality.Mr. Lincoln & Freedom For Lincoln, liberty was a vital but fragile concept, which needed to be nurtured.
Mr. Lincoln and Friends Lincoln's ability to forge friendships had a lot to do with the way he met and greeted people.Rouguyatou Ly exemplifies Abraham Lincoln's ability to listen and problem solve.The Global Lincoln Abraham Lincoln has become a global figure and inspiration to so many leaders around the world.What Lincoln Means to Me Steven Lee Carson honors Lincoln for saving a nation, and also for his ability to unite and inspire through his words.
What Lincoln Means to Me: Baron Hill Congressman Hill honors the mothers who helped shape Lincoln.What Lincoln Means to Me: Dr. Wayne C. Temple Dr. Wayne C. Temple talks about all the important gifts that Lincoln gave to us.What Lincoln Means to Me: Jean Powers Soman Jean Powers Soman celebrates Lincoln for inspiring and influencing her character and hopes for the future.What Lincoln Means to Me: Jesse L. Jackson, Jr. Jesse Jackson believes that Lincoln can be our North Star for creating a more perfect Union.

 

Last changed on:4/20/2009


 
 

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