If you’ve ever walked down Millbrook High School’s 1400 hallway, chances are you’ve heard laughter coming from Ms. Johnston’s art room. Known for her quick wit and playful teasing, she’s the kind of teacher students stop by to visit. Over the years, Ms. Johnston has taught Art 1–2–3, led the Art Club, Millbrook Technology Club, and the National Art Honor Society, all while fostering a creative space that feels more like a second home than a classroom. Behind the humor and lighthearted banter lies a teacher deeply passionate about her students’ artistic growth and the stories that art can tell.
Johnston and I share a love for Anthony Bourdain’s lifestyle before his untimely passing, the stereotypes that Hollywood perpetuates about Middle Eastern culture, and that particular feeling that can only be described as the experience of live music.
After spending 11 years in the Middle East, specifically in Qatar, Miss Johnston taught all the design principles, including fashion, interior design, and graphic design. In an exclusive interview with CatTalk, Johnston declared her love for working with students from different backgrounds and experiencing the rich culture through their eyes. Within these classes, they fostered their connection to Middle Eastern culture through frequent visits to cultural art museums and even a performance by Cirque du Soleil. Ms. Johnston was able to experience the glorious architecture that was meant to alleviate the structures in Qatar, in time to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. From tall structures to “breathtaking Islamic craftsmanship,” Johnston got to experience it all!
Being surrounded by tradition, culture, and talent truly shaped her worldview. Johnston shared her anger for the dangerous portrayal of red scarves or ‘Kuffiyehs’ and how they are often used to show terrorists in Hollywood culture. While in reality, they are just tools for Middle Eastern men and women to keep sand out of their eyes during their hard labor in the powerful deserts.
Johnston shared, “Even the long white thobe is used to represent Middle Easterns in a harmful way in Hollywood. In reality, a father wearing a white thobe and having tan skin in the Middle East is the same as a father with a lighter complexion wearing a polo shirt and khakis. The representation and stereotypes of Middle Eastern people in Hollywood are harmful, and I encourage people to visit and see it for themselves.”
Her experiences encompassed more than just sightseeing—she was lucky enough to see Venus and Serena Williams play in a suspenseful tennis match, for the fantastic price of just $25!
Being an outstanding teacher can be shown in many ways. Johnston’s ability to prioritize student growth in both artwork and life, before her own, demonstrates her dedication to creating a great environment at Millbrook High School. Being too busy to enjoy creating her own artwork, the hobby that made her fall in love with painting and the world of art, is a testament to her commitment. Especially since the most memorable students that have come along her career have been the ones who excel in their art and go above and beyond what is asked of them, although she shared that the students who talk back are “equally as memorable,” Johnston puts the same amount of effort into students who need a little push and motivation. Whether it’s for their art projects or personal struggles, she’s a student favorite to turn to.
When she isn’t exchanging banter with students, she plans her ideal vacation in the heart of Greece—known for its beaches, the black sands of Santorini, and the party resorts of Mykonos. Her disagreement with tourist culture and the idea that a vacation is getting on a tour bus and sightseeing out the window is a huge pet peeve of hers (another belief that we both share from Anthony Bourdain’s lifestyle). It’s the idea of getting to know people’s customs and experiencing a day as a local that makes travel richer.
Another pet peeve of hers is reality TV in general. She describes the way that these types of shows profit from “showcasing the worst of people” as disheartening. Instead, she encourages reruns of Ted Lasso that make people genuinely happy. She misjudged the show and didn’t give it a chance due to her misconception that it was about a soccer coach. After giving it a chance, it turned out to be “just perfect.”
Ms. Johnston hopes to spend more time experiencing just “truly eclectic live music.” Her most recent concert was Deftones and Public Enemy at the same venue! She hopes to soon experience all kinds of live music, from Classic hip-hop to Spanish guitar, Classic blues, Rock, a cappella, and reggae.
