She would hurry to watch the beginning of the parade and intensely waited for the bright flags that kick-started the festivities.

That sparked an interest in color guard for the Fort Dodge Senior High School senior and for the past four seasons she has been part of the Dodger color guard and captain for the past two.

“When I was little I would always like to go to the parades and try to be the first one to see the parade coming,” Johnson said. “I remember the first that could be seen over the horizon was the color guard flags. I would always watch for the flags and be in awe as the color guard passed.

“As I started to get a little older, I decided that when I was in high school, I wanted to do color guard, too. I wanted to be in my favorite part of the parade.”

As she began preparing to enter high school, she knew where she wanted to be.

“The summer before my freshman year, I came to audition,” Johnson said. “There were two days to audition, but we only had to go to one. I went to the first audition and had so much fun learning and asking questions, that I ended up coming back the second day as well, just for the fun of it.”

Along with color guard, Johnson has been deeply involved in the fine arts. Johnson takes part in the Fort Dodge All-American Marching Band as well as the symphonic band and orchestra. She sings in the A Capella Choir and her church choir.

On the stage she is involved in Performers Club, Large Group and Individual Speech. She has been part of the fall plays and spring musicals as well as Winter Guard, 4-H and Dodger Senate.

When it comes to being busy, it’s all about just finding the time and preparing.

“Being so busy, you have to put as much effort in as possible during practices and prioritize what gets practiced at home,” Johnson said. “Right now I’m working on material to audition for All-State choir, so that’s what I’ve been practicing over everything else.

“Being involved in many things means you have to sacrifice a bit of free time. I usually have to stay up pretty late doing homework after being at practices all day.”

One conversation in high school put everything into perspective for the senior.

“My freshman year, I was talking to Mrs. (Andi) Adams and when I told her I was busy, she looked at me and said “No, you’re not. You can always find more time in a day.”

“Since then I have worked on managing my time and being able to fit everything into my schedule.”

Even with a packed schedule, Johnson continues to find new ways to get the most out of high school.

“I joined the band about a year ago and now play the clarinet,” Johnson said. “I like to learn new things and I enjoy music, and I also really like the community of people involved in the band that I get to be a part of during marching season.

“Me and my best friend Camden (Doster) went to Mr. Paulson (band director) and basically asked what instrument he needed more people on, and we would play it. I enjoy being one small piece of something so much greater than myself.”

The acting bug was something that Johnson found early in life at the Hawkeye Community Theatre.

“When I was around 7 years old, I had an opportunity to audition for a Christmas musical at the Hawkeye Theatre,” Johnson said. “I loved singing and was already taking voice lessons, but the acting part was new to me.

“I had been in little children’s plays at church before and enjoyed that, so I auditioned and got a part. I love being on stage and performing, and I’ve been involved in plays and musicals ever since.”

Just being on stage isn’t the grand prize, it’s the ability to do something different and be with people.

“I like the fun and welcoming community in Performers Club,” Johnson said. “It’s fun getting to spend time with a lot of people with similar interests and unique skills.

“I’m going to miss performing in all of my activities, and most importantly I will miss all of the time spent with my friends .”

Being involved in so many activities allowed Johnson to learn and evolve.

“Being around different people helps you learn more,” Johnson said. “Taking on new skills helps you learn how to take on challenges later in life.

“The more you learn about others, the more you learn about yourself.”

The process of being involved takes a large nucleus and support staff to help meet the end goals.

“I have had a lot of people that have helped me get where I am and influenced me along the way,” Johnson said. “Mrs. Adams, Mrs. Krug, Mr. Paulson, Laura (Klein-Ferry) and Dillon (Napier) have done a lot for me.

“My family and closest friends have always been by my side.”

After high school, Johnson plans on attending Iowa State University in Ames and earning a computer science degree.

Vacation destination: Amazon Rainforest.

People I would like to have dinner with: Paul McCartney, Freddy Mercury, John Lennon.

It would surprise people that: I like to collect radioactive objects..

Performers that inspires me: Grace Casiato Inspires me because she is so talented in many things and is very kind to others.

My everyday role model: my Papa because he cares a lot about others and has a strong faith.

I can’t go a day without: listening to music on Spotify.

Where do I see myself in 10 years? Working in the computer science field, living in a nice little house with a big garden.

What are you listening to: The Beatles and Queen.

Dream piece or show: “SIX.”

A show you binge watch: Kitchen Nightmares.

Favorites…

Book: Mrs. Peregrine’s Home for the Peculiar Children.

Song: “Cracklin’ Rosie”

by Neil Diamond.

Movie: The Martian.

Class: English 10 Honors.

Musical: SIX.

Musical genre: Classic rock.

Instrument: Mandolin.

Phone App.: Snapchat.