PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla — Keeping people safe from the coronavirus includes significant changes to events many look forward to attending. For high school seniors, it’s their graduation.
FOX 4 is sharing the stories of some southwest Florida graduates and their accomplishments.
This week’s senior spotlight is on 17-year-old Walter Johnson. Walter is a senior at Port Charlotte High School. Even though his senior year is nothing like he pictured it would be he’s remaining positive.
“I kind of live by this mantra this too shall pass,” Walter said. “It may seem bad right now, but the sun will shine.”
His basketball coach Kip Rhoten says within his 28 years of being involved in education, Walter is probably one of the most unique individuals he’s ever come across. He describes him as a student who goes above and beyond in everything he does and says he isn’t afraid to try new things.
“He has done everything from baseball to cross country to track to swimming to football, and he’s played basketball all four years,” Coach Kip Rhoten said.
Walter was also a member of the National Honor Society, selected to the hall of fame at the high school, and even received the academic award this year for the basketball program.
Walter says his junior year on the basketball team they went undefeated in the regular season.
“We didn’t win the regional final,” Walter said. “We went undefeated to take home no hardware, and that was pretty disappointing.”
Coming back to play for his senior year, Walter said the expectations weren’t that high. But with a lot of dedication and hard work, they were able to shock their fans.
“He ended up being the only senior on this year’s basketball team,” Coach Kip Rhoten said. “He led us to a district championship and a sweet 16 appearance in the state playoffs.”
After high school Walter says, the sky’s the limit. He’s got his eyes on the United States Air Force Academy and wants to major in computer engineering. He also would like to be a part of the United States Space Force.
Walter is thankful for the teachers and staff at his school. He is also grateful for all of the support his family and friends have given him.
