By Lacey Landt
This featured alumnus was in Mini in the 70’s when mini school, was Mini school. This alumnus is Brad Johnston, Joanne’s husband. I asked Joanne a little bit about him and she said that he would always come up to Joanne’s office and talk with her about his girlfriend. I had written out some questions for him to answer and sent them home with Joanne and here’s what he said.
What trips did you go on?
My first Mini school trip was to the Grand Canyon. I went to the BWCA a couple times and the other long trip was the Appalachian trail trip. All were very different experiences in climate, culture, terrain and learning more about myself and fellow trippers.
What have you done after Mini?
Two weeks after graduation I entered the Marine Corps, which is much different than the army, for those still confused with the military branches. It was a good experience for me overall. Side note here: my last year in, I ran into another Mini schooler of all places to see him, -a plane crash. It was actually a military jet from “my base”. I was working security on the perimeter when I spot my old trippin’ bud Joe Garner- realize that this is in the small town of Moorehead City, North Carolina. It was a bad incident but a great, surprising reunion. Joe and I are both living back in Minnesota.
After my six years with the Marines, staying in eastern North Carolina, I entered the commercial construction field as an apprentice carpenter and spent five years in that. Then longing for those Minnesota winters, I returned in the last part of the 80’s to Minnesota.
I went to school at Bemidji State University and worked at a funeral home during those five years. I graduated with an industrial arts degree, and married Joanne, returning to the magnet city {Excelsior}. Now I work as an Artistic Fabricator in Minneapolis for HSC scenic set construction. Phill Hinz, my boss, is a S.W.A.S. program tripper. Mini school and S.W.A.S used to meet up on trips together from time to time.
Is there anything special you do? hobbies, pets etc.?
Many special things but here’s a half dozen
- my wife Joanne
- Our animal companions Hazel and Curly
- our house
- painting
- fishing
- skiing-any kind snow or water
What would you like to say to Mini school?
To the Mini school program- Thanks for the challenge and encouragement to meet those challenges. I’m infinitely grateful.
To the current Mini schoolers- Go on trips, participate and although I know it’s tough
sometimes in high school be a friend to yourself, trips can help you see your “good side.” Keep truckin’.
What do you remember about Mini?
What do I remember…….., couches in the classroom and being treated as a person, not just “another kid.”
Explain how Doug and Randy influenced your life or in some way changed it?
Randy and Doug are the ones that took us on the Appalachian trail trip. They both have influenced me in positive manners and continue to do so, They were great teachers and they’re still good friends. I would say the only other teacher, besides Lester, that has had a lasting positive, and affirming influence on me was Mr. Ernest Guiner when he was still teaching at West Jr. High. They’re all wonderful folks to me. Now they know it too.
Brad Johnston!
