As seen in the annual “Terrific Teens” issue of West Hartford Magazine, 2014.

By Lisa Lelas

Danielle Johnson. Photo by Todd Fairchild, ShutterbugCT.com

While the list of bright and competent students from West Hartford seems endless, we have selected a small handful of dedicated young men and women, all recent graduates from each of the five West Hartford High Schools, to represent this year’s ‘terrific teens’ to watch in our community.

Not only are they teens with dreams, but they are already acting on them. Each of them has the desire to make a difference. To create a positive change in the world. They are, without a doubt, great role models to represent our community.

Congratulations. We look forward to watching you blossom as you now go out into the world to inspire us all. Today we put the spotlight on Danielle Johnson:

William H. Hall High School recent graduate Danielle Johnson knows firsthand what hard work and practice can accomplish. She is a recipient of the prestigious 3-Sport Athlete Award and Spirit of Hall Award for cheerleading for football, basketball, and track & field.

The 18-year-old has been a competitive cheerleader all four years of high school, and was the captain of her varsity cheerleading squad, while competing in track events as well. Perhaps it’s her seemingly natural focus to succeed that has influenced her decision to go to med school someday and help people as a psychiatrist.

Danielle is now a freshman at Fisk University in Nashville, majoring in chemistry and pre-med. She remembers her years at Hall High with great fondness. She was the president of the Medical Careers Club. “I’ve always been interested in medicine and helping people,” she says, “and last year, I got the chance to travel with the school to China, which was an unforgettable experience.”

She lives by her favorite quote by the late Nelson Mandela: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

Volunteering has been an important part of Danielle’s high school life. She interned at a local nursing home, walked for breast cancer awareness, and through her cheerleading squad was involved in many community outreach programs for health and nutrition. “Volunteering made me a better person,” she explains. “Being able to give back to people is in alignment with what I want to do someday as a psychiatrist.”

This cheerleader with a passion to give back still enjoys simple pleasures with friends and family. “I love hanging out at Blue Back Square when I’m home and traveling with my family.” She loves seafood and pasta and, just like her personality, loves the bright color red.

“And I love mysteries … I’m curious by nature and like to figure things out!”

Please check back every Tuesday and Friday to see another teen spotlight! To view our full teen story please view West Hartford Magazine here.