Paul D. Johnson

After graduating from NC State in 1992 with a degree in horticulture, I worked as a landscaper in Charlotte for four years. In 1995, I married an incredible woman (Sheila) with only one major flaw -- her poor taste in a husband. A year later, I began graduate school at Winthrop University. A lot happened in 1998. Sheila and I found out we were expecting our first child (Jakob) and I began a Ph.D program at Penn State University. We lived outside of State College until I decided neither poverty nor research science were really that intriguing to me. Instead, I decided to do what I really wanted to do and found a teaching position. The job I found was at a high school in South Carolina so we moved here in 2000. I have been teaching biology (thanks Mrs. Alley) at Saluda High School since then and my students can get away with nothing (thanks Michael Hicks). Our second son Thomas was born in 2001 and the Princess (Sarah) joined us the following year. Sheila homeschools the kids and is a much better teacher than her National Board Certified husband. Our 2005 was a bittersweet year. I completed my Masters from the University of Maryland but my little brother David died suddenly and unexpectedly. Now, we are looking to get out of South Carolina so if you know of a biology position anywhere beautiful, let me know.

Michael Hicks "mis-juggling" Fluffy's head in Mrs. Alley's class. The poor cat's head hit the floor and rolled across the room.

Driving the 'Bean' (my very stylish, brown, 1972 Ford Pinto). When the reverse went out, I had to push it back into the parking space so I could pull out in the afternoon (thanks to anyone who helped me 'park' the Bean). I was also the only guy who knew all of the 1980s hits AND the 1960s hits (the Bean could get only one (AM) station - it played Oldies.

Walking the halls in the morning with Reggie Foster (Spies Like Us). We answered all of the great questions of our time (Who's the hottest Bangle?; Wolfpack or Tarheels? - Wolfpack, of course; Where to eat before the prom?).

Working at Harris-Teeter with Warren Anderson and Jason Rodgers and all the rest. And hanging out afterwards.

Skipping weightlifting with Michael Hicks and getting busted. The really sad part, we didn't want to sit on the bleachers while the coach lined the field for a track meet so we were sneaking off to the LIBRARY to study for one of Mrs. Schofeld's tests.

I think I will add this site to one of my favorite memories. I have really enjoyed reading what y'all did and are doing. Tolkien (I think) wrote that a thing is not fully appreciated until it is remembered. I think I am appreciating 1988 a lot more.