Khalil Johnson ’13 BY TOM LYONS ’60
Khalil Johnson works to make a difference in the world, from registering citizens to vote to cleaning up vacant lots in Philly.
Pundits and sages throughout the ages have said: “You can’t get there unless you know where you are going.” Khalil Johnson is way out in front on this advice. In 20 years, he plans to be the head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). He has fixed a target and laid out his strategic plan. In his middle school, a Charter school, Johnson felt he wasn’t being challenged. He not only wanted to be pushed harder but he wanted to experience more diversity and cultural difference. His school was predominantly African–American with a sprinkling of Hispanic students. To insure acceptance to the Prep, he took a summer entrance exam-training course. His effort was rewarded, as he entered as a freshman in the class of 2013. He got what he wished for; he was challenged, maybe more than he expected. At first, he struggled with Latin, math, and was overwhelmed by the expansive vocabulary of the faculty, particularly his English teacher. Although discouraged at times, he realized that this was a transition year and his personal pride to succeed would, in time, improve his performance. And, it did! He worked even harder, more than he had ever done before. It was also a new experience to associate with students from different social and, specifically, financial strata. But, he knew the Prep was the right place for him. With each succeeding year, he improved in the classroom and got closer to his classmates. Outside of class, however, is where he really blossomed. He became aware of the Junior Statesmen of America (JSA), a national student organization that increases political awareness and encourages discussion and debate at the high school level. One of the benefits is that you can qualify to study at a prestigious university with an international peer group to explore current issues. Khalil applied for a scholarship, wrote several essays, got the endorsement of Prep President Rev. George Bur, S.J.; he was accepted and spent four weeks between junior and senior year at Stanford University with 300 international finalists. At his own initiative, he started a JSA chapter at the Prep now totaling 25 students. Johnson has a profound respect for the environment and is very committed to ecological reform. During his junior year, he founded Eco-Prep which is committed to improving the North Philadelphia neighborhood around the Prep. Along with fellow students, he has removed trash from the streets, reported on condemned properties and environmental violations. He uncovered an unscrupulous contractor who was dumping unwanted cement in vacant lots. His two biggest projects are refurbishing an empty lot to create a playground and building a neighborhood Green House. When he’s not working on
Eco-Prep, he supports and does work for “Keeping Philadelphia Beautiful,” a city environmental program, even working to have the group designate the Prep as a “Litter-Free School Zone.” During the recent Presidential election, he worked in Center City on voter registration and education. Along with fellow Prep students that he recruited, many phone calls were made to support the campaign of President Obama and Governor Romney, even though Khalil personally supported Obama. In addition to his environmental career path, he entertains the possibility of someday running for Congress or another public office. College is right around the corner and he has narrowed his choices to two schools. Davidson is his top choice because it has one of the best environmental programs in the country, supporting his EPA vision 20 years down the road. George Washington University is also attractive because it is in downtown Washington D.C., giving him immediate access to the political action. Upon completing undergraduate work, his sights are set on Stanford for a law degree. His past four years at the Prep have been very satisfying and fulfilling. He is very grateful to Mr. Bill Conners ’80, who taught him “more about history in three months than I learned in my entire life.” He admires Mr. Connors’ zeal and excitement which has ignited a burning interest in history. He is also appreciative of Ms. Susie Cook who increased his vocabulary, honed his writing skills, and generally took a personal interest in his development. He felt that a single sex school allowed him to freely develop with minimal distraction. But in his own words one thing really stood out: “what is really great about the Prep is that everybody here loves and respects each other, we have built a camaraderie that will last for life.” Tom Lyons, the father of three Prep grads (T.J. ’87, Drew ’89 and Sean ’93), is the author of You Can’t Get to Heaven on the Frankford El (magispress.com) and a frequent contributor to The Prep News.
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