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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Mason Johnson
By JoEllen Collins for The Weekly Sun
Wood River High School student Mason Johnson is a senior carrying a GPA of 4.292. He has been a member of National Honor Society since his sophomore year. He was junior president of this organization last year, and he is also a National Merit Scholar semifinalist.
Mason recently attended an environmental camp with local sixth-graders as a camp counselor. In addition, he serves on the Student Conservation Council of the Wood River Land Trust, where he plans and performs conservation projects for the benefit of the community. He is also a member of the WRHS Junior Varsity cross-country running team.
“My favorite subjects are math and science, especially environmental science, as I intend to be an environmental engineer,” Mason said. “We need to work beyond short-term and keep long-range goals in mind when dealing with our crazy world.”
Mason believes in flexibility.
“This adaptability is one of the ways we can survive with a rapidly changing world full of opportunities and yet unexpected dangers and challenges,” he said.
Mason moved to Hailey with his family from Twin Falls six years ago, when he was in the seventh grade.
“I am very happy here and especially enjoy being outdoors and having the mountains so close,” he said. "Although winter is my favorite season, I spend a lot of time during the other seasons kayaking, fly fishing, and hiking. Idaho is really wonderful for sports and recreation.”
Mason began swimming competitively when he still lived in Twin Falls.
“My swimming coach, Brian Gallagher, has had a great influence on me, and while my participation in this sport may be over, I am thankful for the dedication and approach to hard work that it taught me.” he said.
Even with his appreciation for Idaho and the Wood River Valley, Mason is looking forward to attending college in another state.
“I am currently applying to schools like Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, the University of Southern California, and Stanford in California, and I am also interested in Duke,” he said.
“Right now I am most excited and consumed with my college search, and even though the future is daunting and sometimes frightening, I hope to be open to life’s possibilities and help my generation succeed in surviving the difficulties ahead.”
Mason cited one of his favorite lyrics, this one from U2: “It’s a beautiful day. Don’t let it get away.”
Each week, JoEllen Collins will be profiling a local high-school student. If you know someone you'd like to see featured, e-mail joellencollins1@gmail.com.