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Pair To Appear On Wall Of Pride

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By JOYCE McKENZIE jmckenzie@tampatrib.com

Published: October 8, 2008

TEMPLE TERRACE -

Like those before them, Joyce Johnston and Casper Johnson will serve as inspirations for current and future King High School students who scan the walls of the school's cafeteria.

During the halftime ceremony of the King vs. Robinson homecoming football game on Oct. 16, Johnston, a 1968 King graduate, and Johnson, who earned his King diploma in 1964, will be accepted as honorees on the school's Wall of Pride.

The first honoree was Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio in 2005, followed by the late Judge Diana M. Allen in 2006. Former NFL football standout Edmund Nelson was inducted last year.

To qualify for the project sponsored by the King High School Alumni Association, nominees must have distinguished themselves in medical, business, education, civic, political, sports, social or military service. While enrolled at King, they also must have made outstanding contributions, either academically or through other endeavors.

"Their contributions may very well make the difference in students not resorting to crime, drugs or violence," said Mike Cartwright, a former Hillsborough County Sheriff's deputy and King High graduate who was instrumental in starting the program.

Johnston, who went on to earn a bachelor's degree from the University of Florida, was born and raised in Temple Terrace. It also is where she raised her children and established herself as one of the community's most valued volunteers.

Her involvement in service work that began at King blossomed into longtime contributions to the Child Abuse Council, the Temple Terrace Juniorettes, the Temple Terrace Junior Woman's Club and the Temple Terrace Woman's Club.

Johnston has been recognized as a Citizen of the Year by the Greater Temple Terrace Chamber of Commerce and as a "woman of distinction," awarded by the Suncoast Girl Scout Council. As a cancer survivor, she dedicates many hours toward ensuring the success of Temple Terrace's annual Relay for Life.

Johnson, also a Temple Terrace resident, is considered by many to be an unsung hero. His contributions to his alma mater and community generally take shape quietly and without fanfare.

KHS Alumni Organization members describe him as a successful local entrepreneur and humanitarian who is quick to help a person or program in need.

A barbecue dinner provided by Lupton's Catering will be available from 5 to 6:30 p.m. before the game. It consists of chicken, ribs, baked beans, potato salad, coleslaw, garlic bread and tea. The cost is $10 per person, with all proceeds going toward the Wall of Pride project.

Tickets are available at King High School, 6815 N. 56th St.; Business Ink Printing, 8834 N. 56th St.; Lupton's Buffet, 5299 E. Busch Blvd.; and the Greater Temple Terrace Chamber of Commerce, 9385 N. 56th St.

Call David Long at (813) 988-4656 for more information.

Reporter Joyce McKenzie can be reached at (813) 865-4849. Reporter Joyce McKenzie can be reached at (813) 865-4849.

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