INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK: Geralynne Johnson, of Hope/Legacy Charter School

Geralynne Johnson is affectionately known as Mama J at Hope/Legacy Charter School. She is the registrar for grades seven through 12 and enrolls students verifies attendance and inputs schedules.

“The work that she does … is tireless and thankless, yet she never complains and always has a positive attitude, said Principal Maurio Medley. “Beyond this, she is known for being a safe place where teachers and students can go to talk or get a snack if they run out of food before they run out of the day. She embodies our school's principles of learning, encouragement, consistency and kindness. She always puts others before herself.”

What brought you to your school?

I had been at home taking care of my grandchildren, and they were heading off to school and their needs changed.

It was recommended that I reach out to Hope and Legacy charter schools. I emailed Crystal Yoakum, our CEO, who I had known for quite a while, and she said I was sent from God, as she was praying for the right person to be at a temporary satellite campus. I am a giver and love to give back; what better place than at the best school in our county and one headed by Crystal. I love my work family, as that is what we are — a family.

What do you love most about your school?

For me, it's the familial environment that we foster there for each other and, most definitely, our amazing students.

Everyone there truly wants to be there. Our principal, Maurio Medley, is an exemplary leader who mentors and is such a positive man who definitely cares for each and every one of us.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

I love my job and enjoy the continual learning and growth it provides for me. To be honest, I have become Mama-J to quite a few of our students over the years, and I love watching them grow and mature both personally and educationally. It is quite rewarding, especially for my heart.

What would you be if you weren't in this position?

I was meant to be here, and everything in my past opportunities have prepared me for this “job.” So, for me there is no other place for me; I am where I was destined to be.

As a young person, my path was to be a lawyer, as I like to win and can, let's say, bicker with the best, always getting the last word. I believe I have mellowed.

Who influences you?

There have been many in my lifetime; my dad (he passed when I was 10); my husband, Craig (he passed two years ago); and, in many ways, my daughters and grandchildren — seeing life and all it has to offer through their eyes.

Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school and why?

Her name was Miss Bouchard, my fourth-grade teacher. I found out the first week of school she lived on the next street from me, and we started to walk to school together. She was an older woman, I thought so; and no one cared for her, making fun of her hair and how she dressed, even her briefcase she carried to school. I loved school, and she loved teaching, and this brought us together. I've never forgotten her.

What is your favorite children's book and why?

I have always loved the Little Golden Books. I read them to my daughters until they could read them to me. Then in time, I started to do the same with my grandchildren. Memories are priceless to me!

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I enjoy my time with my family, as well as Mama-J-and-grandchildren time. I have a doodle named Pearl, and she brings me such joy and companionship. I am also an avid cruiser.

If you could dine with any famous person, past or present, who would it be?

I'm torn between Robin Williams, as he made so many people laugh but had such turmoil in his life, and Arnold Schwarzenegger. I met him once and wondered what it would be like to engage in a conversation with him.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

I'd like to be able to read minds, not just hypothesize what others are thinking. I would utilize this power to help others.

If you could only listen to three bands or artists, who would they be and why?

Jim Croce for sure, as he wrote my wedding song, “Time in a Bottle.” Barry Manilow — yes, I'm that old; his songs have meaning and heart. The Rolling Stones, as this was my first concert and I was in eighth grade. If my mother had only known the band, I would never have been given permission to attend.

What was your go-to lunch and favorite snack as an elementary student?

Lunch was from a fast-food restaurant named Roy Rogers; we didn't have school lunches in Catholic school back then. My snack was chocolate milk and cookies; kindergarten was the best.

What is your favorite holiday and why?

For me, although I love them all for various reasons, I absolutely love Christmas — a time of giving and happiness. It started when my girls were young and my husband dressed as Santa Claus on Christmas Eve; the tradition carried on to our grandchildren. A new tradition my girls came up with was for Mrs. Claus to begin the tradition of visiting our family and friends’ families on Christmas Eve at my daughter’s home — bringing all the young ones their Christmas pj’s. A joyful, yet emotional time that will carry on!

Who was your best friend when you were in school and why? Are you still in touch?

I had two, Linda and Eileen. We became a group as we didn't fit in with so many others for various reasons. Linda and I still touch base every year at Christmas, as we are more than 1,000 miles apart.

What were your extracurricular activities as a student? Did you win any accolades or honors?

I was never an athlete; I always was a reader. I won my share of spelling bees in school.