Amari Johnson '27, a proud alumnus of
The Welsh Academy, says his middle school experience helped him prepare for the challenge of transitioning to life at Saint Ignatius. Currently a rising high school junior, Amari reflects on how the structure and discipline instilled at The Welsh Academy set him up for success. “The Welsh Academy taught us to always look presentable—wearing my uniform and remembering to tuck in my shirt taught me about being prepared,” he shares.
Amari’s mother, Ebony Huffman, echoes his sentiment. “The Welsh Academy provided structure for Amari,” she says. Beyond academics, Amari developed a range of interests through Welsh’s affinity courses, which Huffman notes sparked his creative side. “The Welsh Academy helped Amari find a passion for drawing,” she shares. The Welsh Academy’s affinity courses–short-term courses that provide students with opportunities to explore a variety of interests and skills–also introduced Amari to several new hobbies, like fishing and rugby.
At Saint Ignatius, Amari values the independence and accountability that come with being a high school student. “You can choose what you want to do. If you want to broaden your horizon and join different clubs, sports, or activities, everyone is always encouraging,” he says. The rigorous academic environment at Saint Ignatius has motivated Amari to manage his time better and focus on personal growth. “I used to spend too much time playing games instead of studying. Now I have to manage my time better so I can get good grades,” he adds.
Amari remains connected to his Welsh Academy roots, maintaining friendships with former classmates and staying involved with influential teachers like Ms. Conway, The Welsh Academy’s Theology teacher. This summer, he’ll embark on a mission trip to Los Angeles along with several other Welsh Academy alumni who now attend Saint Ignatius. As he looks to the future, Amari is committed to being open to growth, embracing new challenges, staying connected with his classmates, and building on the foundation of success that began at The Welsh Academy.
This story was originally published in the Winter issue of the Saint Ignatius magazine; to read the full issue click
here.