Two Fridays ago on January 17th the greatest coup thrown in Kingfisher history took place. Dr. A.J. Johnson being one of the humblest men to ever walk this Earth, does not want or seek recognition, appreciation, or praise. So there is no way he would willingly go to a banquet, ceremony, or assembly if he knew it was about him. Here is where the Kingfisher Chamber of Commerce, as well as Kingfisher High School counselor, Paula Leffingwell, had to get creative.
The high school decided to have a “Citizenship, Community, and Caring” assembly for the students. Little did everyone know it was for Dr. Johnson all along. A panel of speakers were chosen to talk about leadership, ways to serve their community, and what makes an exceptional human being. Those speakers were Ellen Wilfong, 2025 Chamber Board President; Colton DeMuth, 2024 Chamber President; Shauna Rupp, Kingfisher Chamber or Commerce Director; Colby Connel, Assistant High School Principal; Jared Harrison, Boys State Representative; Jeff Hyatt, Rotary President; Terri Peck, 2022 Volunteer of the Year; Dennis Mueggenborg, 2023 Citizen of the Year; Jarod Hendrix, Lions Club President, Geoff Covalt, Kingfisher City Mayor; and Andy Evans, Interim Superintendent. All were sworn to secrecy, as well as the other adults in the audience. Ellen Wilfong was the driving force behind getting Dr. Johnson nominated for the Chamber’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Dr. Johnson has taught (and continues to teach) an impressive 54 years in Kingfisher County, 52 of those at Kingfisher Public Schools. The staff, administration, and students are his family and frankly his legacy. Dr. Johnson is incredibly kind, caring, and giving. He is an encouragement to all, lifts others up, and truly makes a difference in the lives of those around him. He has served his country bravely and is a true patriot. The lasting impact of Dr. Johnson has spanned 5 decades and multiple generations of Kingfisher families and our community couldn’t be more blessed and honored to have him. Well done, Dr. Johnson! Photos by AAK Maitland Pickle.
