Charles Johnson

Another Bright Light in Sachem Has Been Dimmed

by

John Horst (Samoset)

Early this past summer the Sachem community again lost one of its valued members. Charlie Johnson was a 29 year veteran who served the district in various capacities. He started his career as a member of the Modified Curriculum Program at Seneca Jr. High School where he served as the eight grade team leader for many years. After recon figuration, Charlie move into the Social Studies department at Samoset Middle School where he most recently served as department chairman. In addition to his teaching duties Charlie coached in the track and cross country programs at both the middle school and high school levels. Also, he was the originator and coordinator of the Safe Halloween program at Seneca as well as the primary organizer of the Seneca Bowl in its formative years. However, his most lasting contribution was to the many students who were fortunate each day to be greeted by a bright smile, a quick quip and the proverbially, “Gooooood morning students.” Charlie’s passion for teaching and reaching out to students never wavered over the years. His classroom was always a place to learn, to laugh and to interact. Seldom did a day go by where the joy of laughter couldn’t be heard emanating from his room. To share a passion for his love of history with a compassion for doing the best for kids is the gift he provided for those under his care. How special that is!

Coach “J” always had a special place for his athletes as well. He guided some of Sachem’s finest track and field athletes with the same passion and dedication that he bestowed upon his kids in the classroom. He demanded from them their very best because that is what he gave them in return. He earned several high honors for his coaching and was often selected as a coach for the Section XI track team as it competed in the N.Y. State Championship Meets. You never heard about the awards he won because he wanted his athletes to get the praise as he was always self-conscious when it came to personal achievement.

Charlie’s colleagues will always remember his professionalism, his hearty laugh and his upbeat approach to each day. Those who had the privilege of working with Charlie were always confident that their day would be brightened and their burden lightened by his bright smile and witty personality. You were assured when he approached that a “Hello Colleague” or a “Hey Buddy, how you doing?” would soon be passing his lips, often to be followed by some sort of self-effacing humor.

The hallways will be a little quieter now, the laughter a little less and the inspiration a little lacking as another of Sachem’s bright lights has been dimmed. This dedicated professional educator, this trusted and well respected colleague, this devoted and loving father and husband will be sorely missed. How fortunate we are to have had the opportunity to be in his company.

The Charles R. Johnson Memorial Scholarship Fund has been established to honor his memory. This award will be given to a graduating senior from Sachem North High School. If you would like to donate to this fund and help to preserve his memory, please send your contribution to John Horst at Samoset Middle School. Make your check payable to The Charles R. Johnson Memorial Scholarship Fund.

(Reprinted from Speak Out October 2006)