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The path that Eli Johnson would end up taking in high school was just on a whim, but it was a choice that shaped him.
In fifth grade Johnson, who is a senior at Fort Dodge Senior High School, wrote his name down on a sign up sheet and since then a chance has grown into a love of the arts.
"At open house before my fifth grade year, there was a band sign up," Johnson said. "I just threw my name down, but little did I know I was going to fall in love with it. Ever since then I wanted nothing more than to become a great trumpet player. At the end of my sophomore year, Mr. (Al) Paulson (band director) asked the trumpet section if anyone wanted to switch to mellophone because he wanted to have a full section that year. I raised my hand right away and said I would love to because that's just who I am.
"I later was named section leader and found myself having one of the opening solos in this year’s Web of Lies, marching band show, right after my twin sister Ella (who is one minute older)."
It may have been the opportunity that has gotten Johnson where he is today, but the path he has taken has had one leader.
"My faith in our Lord and Savior has carried me throughout my high school career," Johnson said. "He has given me the energy and knowledge to push through.
"Before and after every performance, I try to pray."
Currently in the marching band season, Johnson has spent many hours preparing for the season and bonding with his band mates.
"Band is my home away from home," Johnson said. "They are like a caring family that supports you through everything good and bad.
"You can ask my parents, and they would probably say I am there more than my own house," he added.
The love of music has driven Johnson to pick up more than just the trumpet.
"I'm in every single band offered at FDSH," Johnson said. "I play the mellophone in marching band, the trumpet in wind ensemble, the French horn in symphonic band and the trumpet in jazz band.
"I chose to be in all of these bands because I really enjoy the on-stage feeling in an ensemble."
Johnson is also part of Dodger Senate, which is a leadership role that helps other students.
"Being on the Dodger Senate is important to me because I feel a call to help and serve my class and school to be better and have fun," Johnson said. "Dodger Senate has brought me closer to Mrs. Winter and all of the other senate members."
Johnson, who has taken part in FDSH's fall plays and musicals, became involved after a family member’s push.
"I was never really into theater until my oldest sister, Lilly, dragged me to drama camp," Johnson said. "It was just something fun to do. Lilly showed me that theater is a place where you can just be yourself while not being yourself at all.
"Now I see it as a place to build friendships and have even more fun."
Packing his schedule is something Johnson does to avoid being bored along with spending time with his friends.
"It is important for me to be involved because I need to always be busy," Johnson said. "I can not stand just sitting around and doing nothing. Being involved also got me all of my friends, and is a place for us to hang out."
Heading into his final year of high school there are some things that will change and things that will be etched in his memory.
"I am going to miss the exhilarating feeling of trooping off the field after a wonderful performance," Johnson said. "Being a Dodger means being a supportive friend to help someone out when they need it. It means cheering someone on in the last stretch of their race. It means leading a section and making sure they have fun.
"(After high school is over) I am looking forward to exploring what my future has to hold."
Johnson is also involved in speech and choir.
"Speech has gotten me out of my comfort zone by just throwing me to the sharks and making me stay afloat," Johnson said. "I have learned a lot from just talking to people as well.
"Choir is another one of my favorite activities because again it’s a place to do what I love surrounded by the people I love."
As he has wandered the halls of FDSH and competed in tennis, bowling, and cross country, Johnson has had a number of people that have helped guide and shape him.
"First of all, my biggest influences are my amazing mom and dad, Tabitha and Chris Johnson," Johnson said. "And after that comes my sisters, Lilly and Ella.
"Another one of my biggest influences is Laura Stover. She has taught me what it means to be a Christian in the wild. She has taught me what it takes to be a leader in every part of my life."
After high school Johnson plans to attend Iowa State University in Ames and is undecided on his major.
Vacation destination: Paris
People I would like to have dinner with: I would like to have dinner with my Grandpas one last time and have them tell me their life stories.
It would surprise people that I: used to be afraid of lady bugs.
Performer that inspires me: André De Shields
My everyday role model: Jesus Christ
I can't go a day without: Dr. Pepper
Where do I see myself in 10 years? I have no clue
What are you listening to right now? Jack Johnson's Banana Pancakes
Dream piece or show: Dream show is Hadestown, as the role of either Hades or Hermes or Into the Woods as Baker.
A show you binge watch: The Rookie.
Favorites…
Musical: Into the Woods and Hadestown
Performance:
Music genre: Alt. R&B
Song: Who Knows by Daniel Caesar
Instrument: Trumpet
Class: Extended Learning Lab
Movie: Bedtime Stories
Book: The book of Isaiah
Phone App: Instagram