It's goodbye goats come fall

Raising prize-winning goats not the half of it

ADRIAN - To say Elisabeth Johnson, 18, is an accomplished young woman is almost an understatement.

Johnson, valedictorian of her graduating class of seven at Adrian High School, is the product of a small school but has turned that into an opportunity to try everything from sports to debate, to meet people and expand her horizons.

"I've enjoyed doing everything I've participated in," she said. "I really think it's just fun. You might wake up as a cheerleader, then go to debate."

Some of her accomplishments: Induction into Phi Theta Kappa, junior college honor fraternity; Future Farmers of America; Family, Career and Community Leaders of America president; 2008 Oldham County Chamber of Commerce student of the year; 2008 Oldham County Stock Show Grand Champion Boer goat; 2007 Oldham County Stock Show showmanship award - Boer goats, basketball team captain, cheerleader squad captain, and University Interscholastic League debate state qualifier for four years.

Johnson said she has a knack for math and science and can be a little too serious and sometimes impatient with others.

She plans to attend Pepperdine University in Malibu, Calif., this fall to pursue a degree in international business. Career-wise, Johnson is looking for a flexible job that lets her stay home with her children, like her mom.

Her life has not always been charmed. At age 14, her thyroid was removed, and the wait to learn whether the 20 tumors were malignant was tense. Johnson recovered, but she said the ordeal left her feeling sometimes that she doesn't have control of her body.

Pat Blankenship, retired superintendent of Adrian schools, has known Johnson from birth. He described her as a nice young lady who always has been eager to excel at whatever she does.

"Just a real conscientious young lady," Blankenship said.

And her odds for succeeding in life?

"I think she just has all the makings," he said.

Her father, David Johnson, is superintendent of Adrian schools. He calls her a natural leader and self-motivated for a teenager.

Her mom, teacher Becky Johnson, described their daughter as a wind-her-up-and-let-her-go type.

"She gets motivated and just does it," Becky Johnson said.

Paula Fairchild, preschool Sunday school teacher at Adrian Church of Christ, taught Elisabeth Johnson. Now the senior helps Fairchild with the children fro ages 18 months to 5 years.

"She is excellent with children and loves children. She is a really big help to me. I think she is a very special kid," Fairchild said.

Editor's note: The Globe-News is profiling a student a day from May 9-29 as part of its 2008 graduation coverage. Students were nominated by Globe-News readers.