Posted on Sep 30, 2016 in
HIGH SCHOOL HOT SHOT
Ar’mani Johnson
By Joan Frances –
Ridge Point High School, known as the “Home of Scholars and Champions,” runs by the motto, “There is no limit to what we can achieve.” Ridge Point provides a strong academic program with more than 200 course selections including an extensive vocational and technical curriculum. Opened in 2010, the high school currently instructs over 2,000 students. Seniors graduate fully prepared to take the next step in their lives and careers. One student who has achieved an impressive resume of accomplishments is Ar’mani Johnson.
Throughout his high school career, Ar’mani has taken Advanced Placement classes. His forte is football, and he has played since he was five-years-old. He plays the position of defensive back and safety. Ar’mani is also on special teams as punt return and kick-off return. Last year, his team won district and made it to the semi-finals at the state championships. Ar’mani has achieved awards for Valuable Offensive Player, Most Valuable Team Player, All District Academic Awards, Most Outstanding Track Athlete and Preseason Defensive MVP Award for 2016.
Ar’mani is a team captain, leading his teammates on the field and off. Ar’mani said, “Being captain is an honor from my coach that I don’t take for granted. It validates his respect for me, which has always been important. Also, my teammates look up to me and believe I can lead the team in the right direction. Becoming one of the team captains has always been a personal goal of mine. It means I get to help some of the younger players achieve their goals.
“As a captain, whether individually or in group mentoring, I want to inspire them to believe in themselves and step up to any challenges they might face on the football field, in the classroom or with friends or family. It also means knowing how to say, ‘I admit I made a mistake,’ asking for team opinions and acknowledging players for their work ethics. I realize that I’m not perfect, and in life there is always room for growth in whatever we do.”
One value Ar’mani lives by is individualism. “I always try to lead the way and be myself, not to follow but to be my own person and share my strengths with others to guide them to be their own authentic self.”
Ar’mani’s favorite teacher is Coach Ryan Corey, his English III teacher. “Besides being a great teacher, he was a good mentor on and off the field. He taught me to be a team player, consider everyone I shared the sidelines with and to support my team members during and after the game.”
One thing Ar’mani will remember most about his years in high school is, “First, how God blessed my vision to become reality. My years at Ridge Point High School helped mold me into the person I am today, both mentally and physically. I will never forget the bond between me and my teammates in football through the years, how valuable true friendships are and how hard work and commitment paid off during my high school football career. I understand now that my coaches pushed me to the limit to get the full potential of what they saw. I would like to thank my life coach, my mom. I am so grateful for my parents’ support.”
Ar’mani has committed to Southern Methodist University in Dallas and will major in engineering with a minor in business. Congratulations on your undeniable talent and compassion Ar’mani, and good luck as you achieve your goals in the future.
