By Derrick Smith

Throughout his life, Andre Johnson has had a lot of people that have been a part of his life. But he says that there are a few people that have made a big impact on him, both as an athlete and as a person. 

“Some of my biggest inspirations are Kobe Bryant and Floyd Mayweather,” he said. “I look up to them because of how hard they worked and how dedicated they are to doing whatever they could do to win. Another reason for them being some of my biggest inspirations in sports is because of what they did for their family and communities. My mom is also one of my biggest inspirations because of how hard she works to provide for me.”

Johnson is a junior at Daniel Webster high school. He is a member of the school’s basketball and golf teams. He is looking forward to getting back out on the football field next season. 

He has put in a lot of work to get to where he is today and Andre says you have to know your priorities in order to be successful.

“It has taken a lot for me to be successful in sports,” he said. “There has been a lot of blood and sweat, but the work in the classroom has to come first. It’s a lot of hard work and grinding to be the best player I can be. Also I am truly thankful for my team and my coach for pushing me day in and day out and making me work as hard as I can. They have helped me be the best player I can. I know they are working as hard as they can for the team, and working hard towards our goal of winning a championship at the end of the season.”

As a student at Webster, Andre has learned from a number of educators but he says that one of them has had a big influence on his life.
“Mr. Samra would have to be my favorite teacher,” he stated. “He wants me to do the best I can, and be the best I can be at whatever I do inside or outside of the classroom.”