Wes Higginbotham, left, Elkhart County Senior Queen Debbie Johnson and Brenda Kramer are working together with fellow members of the class of ’72 raising money for the fire victims in Lahaina, Hawaii. Partnering with the Goshen VFW in a fundraising effort, they are raising food, clothing and any other assistance needed for Lahaina veterans and citizens. The event will be from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 4, and include a silent auction at the Goshen VFW. Photo provided by the Class of ’72.

By Laurie Lechlitner
InkFreeNews

GOSHEN — “I’ve been busy this year as the 2024 Elkhart County Senior Fair Queen,” stated Debbie Johnson, Goshen. “Being fair queen is not just about parades and standing in the limelight. It’s about making a difference in our neighborhoods and world.”

Right now, Johnson is working with her fellow classmates of Goshen High School’s Class of 1972. They are working hard to raise money for the fire victims in Lahaina, Hawaii.

“Some of them have lost everything. We are not just enlisting the help of those in Elkhart County but are reaching out to those in neighboring counties to lend a helping hand. The money we raise from donors will be sent from our VFW to the Lahaina VFW.”

The class of ’72 is planning a silent auction from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 4, at the Goshen VFW.

“I have fond memories of my classmates, especially from Chamberlain Elementary School. We not only played kickball, softball and went sledding together on the playground, we would meet during the summer at the North Fifth Street Park too. We developed a lasting relationship.”

Johnson then attended Harris K. Whiteman Junior High with many of these same students. And they went on to Goshen High School.

“When I was 14 my dad passed away,” Johnson explained. “When I turned 16, I dropped out of school to enter the work world and help out with expenses.”

She always regretted having to quit school. “When my husband Larry and I moved to Florida, I got my GED. I also attended college, getting a degree in office systems technology.”

The Johnsons moved back to Goshen in 2007. While she was a paraprofessional at Northridge and working with at-risk students, Johnson stressed the importance of education.

“I always told them that was one my biggest regrets, not getting my high school diploma. I explained to them that not everyone will go to college, but in order to get a good paying job, a high school diploma is essential.”

Johnson also made contact with her classmates from Goshen High School. “After COVID was no longer a big threat, six of us decided to meet by-monthly to chat and get caught up with one another.” Johnson also attended the 50th class reunion in 2022.

“In 2023, after the fire in Lahaina, Hawaii, one of our classmates decided she wanted to do something to help. Debbie Brown volunteers for the local Red Cross and had been to the area. ‘Our class needs to do something,’ she asserted.”

The Goshen class of ’72 began making plans. Partnering with the Goshen VFW, in a fundraising effort, they are raising money for food, clothing, or any other assistance needed for the veterans and citizens.

“Wes Higginbotham is getting donations, silent auction items, and gift certificates that will be auctioned off that afternoon.” Johnson and Brenda Kramer are in charge of media and publicity. So many others are working hard too.

“I’m so happy to be able to help with this worthy endeavor. Being fair queen gives me a platform to raise awareness about projects that will make a difference in the lives of people.” Johnson is also very involved in veteran affairs in the area.

Those wanting to help may email her at [email protected].