Billy Johnston is the senior class president at Hingham High School. Whether in the classroom or on the basketball court, Billy's kindness and leadership inspires us all.
"Billy consistently delivers everything a school could hope for in its senior class president. His vision, enthusiasm, leadership and commitment have helped him to become one of the most essential members of our student body. Billy is an extremely hard worker whose energy, passion, creativity, intellectual curiosity, capacity for growth and commitment to making a difference are all truly exceptional. As much as any student leader I have ever encountered, Billy makes a powerful and positive difference in the life of our school." - Rick Swanson, Hingham High School Principal
Hingham, meet Billy.
What do you love most about Hingham?
My favorite thing about Hingham is the message that many of its adult citizens live by and pass on to the younger generations here: that if you dream you can do something, you can do it. I would like to think this is true, but if not, the town has done a good job making me believe it!
What is your favorite memory from your years in the Hingham public school system?
I really enjoy giving speeches and am always studying public speaking. Mr. Swanson, our principal, has been very generous in giving me any speaking opportunity I could ask for. Each of those is a highlight to me!
If you had one piece of advice for a Hingham Kindergartener, what would it be?
To not listen to some people and be "realistic" about your dreams, that only puts a cap on them. Why be realistic?
Who do you find to be the most inspiring person in Hingham?
My father, Patrick Johnston, has a life story that I wish could be heard by all of the United States. From a single parent home, living in public housing, paying for his own high school and higher educations, he has become a successful owner of his own law firm. If there is one person who will forever inspire me, it is my father. If he can make it, so can anyone, as long as you dream and work towards it every day.
Favorite local spot?
My kitchen, my couch, and my buddy John Gates's house where I can always find my friends and basketball teammates.
What is your favorite meal in Hingham?
A Chipotle burrito bowl with double brown rice (it creates an optical illusion and you get more chicken every time), extra chicken, vegetables, all three salsas, and lettuce. No chips necessary.
Where are you going for college? What made you choose that school?
I will be studying at the Isenberg School of Management and Honors College at UMass Amherst. I want to be with real people with real work ethics, and there was no better school for this than UMass.
What do you want to do after college?
My life dream is to run an international business based in the US and in Latin America. After this, I plan to run for President of the United States of America.
What is one thing on your bucket list?
Winning the Presidency and traveling to Colombia because I work with many Colombian immigrants who taught me to speak Spanish.
Do you have a hidden talent? It may not be a secret, but I moonwalk like its 1983.
Favorite vacation spot?
I imagine it will be Colombia when I get to travel there someday.
What's one thing people may not know about you?
I can freestyle rap with the best of them. Just ask literally anybody.
Billy J- you are an inspiration to us all. You made me especially proud of what you said about your dad.
Wow Billy! Definitely inspiring. Congratulations!
I love this! Congratulations on all you have accomplished Billy, and all that is yet to come!