Tribute to Madolyn Johns
given at July 18, 2015 Memorial Service
Mt. Calvary Catholic
Church
When we heard of Mrs. Johns' passing, I know everyone here felt
it intensely - as if no time had passed since we last saw her, heard her voice,
learned from her. All of the Facebook comments referenced Mrs. Johns as an
inspiration, an incredible teacher, a friend. And we all know why. Because Mrs.
Johns helped shape the women we have become.
How do you engage high school girls in subject matter that can
sometimes be dense or overwhelming? Just ask Mrs. Johns because she knew
exactly how to do it.
Let's start with the obvious. She was young and beautiful.
Stylish and a little mysterious. She seemed, to us, like someone who had seen
the world and could give us a glimpse of it. How many of you bought a
cartouche, scarab bracelet or two different colored pearl earrings (my choice)
because Mrs. Johns made them cool?
But the real magic was in her approach to teaching. She made the humanities and art history come
alive for all of her students. She told
us stories, over and over again, until we were filled with as much passion for
the subject matter as she was... well, almost.
I think part of the passion we felt as students was in pleasing Mrs.
Johns. We wanted to do well for her...
we wanted to make her proud. So when she asked us to go to the National Gallery
on our own, we went. And when she asked us to write about the art and artists
we saw there not only did we write but we sought to learn as much as we could
about them so she would understand how much we cared about the subject matter.
Her task was not easy. We
were distracted with relationships, sports, family, future plans, the dynamics
of navigating a world as a teenage girl. But for those hours we were in her
classroom, all of that disappeared and we were able to focus on Mrs. Johns and
the stories she told. We were
transported to Ancient Egypt and Rome, Florence, Paris, Tahiti...
Mrs. Johns had a knack for telling a love story. And let's face
it, at 15, 16 and 17 some of us (maybe most of us) were a little interested in love. Picasso, Rembrandt, Titian, Modigliani and
their many muses. Whose muse would we
be? Who would write us a poem or paint us a portrait? Yep, she made it
romantic.
She treated each of us as individual young women with great
potential. She spent time with us one on
one as a mentor – understanding what was going on in
our lives – and helping us to see that our future was bright. And so we
learned. And we were inspired. Some of us became teachers. Some of us studied
art history. Some of us became passionate in sports, other subjects, doing good
work because Mrs. Johns showed us how passion could pay off.
But I can't talk about Mrs. Johns without also talking about her
courage. We all know it takes bravery to escort a busload of teenage girls to
New York City year after year! For many
of us, those trips sparked the love affairs we have had with New York City to
this day.
A few months ago I was going through a cedar chest my mom gave me
and came across my art history and New York City journals. It was fascinating to see the art I loved
then and how it compares with the art my adult self loves. Also to hear my 16
year old self’s impression of those historic museums
and artworks, the streets of Manhattan, my roommates shenanigans.
As a student of leadership now, I realize that Mrs. Johns was
teaching us about more than just taking notes and observing life around us. She
was teaching us the art of reflection which is so important in the practice of
leadership. She was teaching us that taking Sabbath – by
being quiet and just losing yourself in an artwork – is
imperative to a well-balanced life. Almost 25 years later, I am still feeling
her influence.
Of the 2 New York City trips I went on, I have 2 distinct
memories. The first was in the
Cloisters. A group of us came across a tapestry we had studied in class and
freaked. We couldn't believe we were seeing it in person! We were so excited,
pointing out elements we had learned about, when we accidentally got too close
and set off the alarm. No damage was
done but I now wonder how much that moment made Mrs. Johns smile. To see your
students get so excited about a tapestry you had literally made come alive for
them.
The other moment was getting dolled up to go see The Phantom of
the Opera on Broadway. Under a cloud of hair spray we took our seats. The music
of that love story takes me back to high school every time I hear it. But the
words of one song stand out as we say goodbye and give tribute to this amazing
teacher and woman who influenced each and every person who crossed her path:
Think of me.
Think of me fondly.
When we've said goodbye.
Remember me.
Once in a while.
Please promise me you'll try.
We will think of you, Mrs. Johns. And we will remember you more
than fondly. Thank you for all you were to each of us and for all you helped us
to be.
