December 3, 2021
On November 23, Linganore honored five Distinguished Graduates for their achievements in the categories of Academics, Public Service, Sciences, Arts & Humanities, and Athletics. Gordon B. Johnson, Class of ‘86, received the Public Service Award for his achievements.
He is a 20- year FBI veteran. In 2016 he was appointed special agent in charge of the Baltimore Field Office.
At the ceremony, he was accompanied by his wife Donna Johnson, and his father, Charles.
“Linganore changed his life. He made a lot of friends, and it was kind of like a family thing,” said his father.
“Linganore was an anchor, essentially. Everything revolved around Linganore. . . It had a foundation rooted in family and support,” said Johnson.
When the ceremony concluded, the graduates were given a tour of the school, each accompanied by SGA members. Johnson was accompanied by juniors Promise Green and Hannah Morin.
“I learned a lot from him actually, but the one thing that he told me to take advantage of was going into the military. He said that was a very advantageous opportunity,” Green said.
Green is now researching and considering going into the military after being inspired by Johnson.
During the tour of the school, Johnson saw how modern the new Linganore building is. He met many of the teachers and spoke in two classrooms.
While he was a student, Gordon was on varsity football and track. He had many great experiences with his many friends during high school. He was also played junior varsity basketball.
“I wish I would’ve enjoyed some of the experiences a little more that came my way. My advice for others is that as you get these experiences and opportunities, take them,” said Johnson.
“Linganore brought together the community beyond academics,” said Johnson.
While going through the process to get into the FBI, and even during service, Johnson often referred back to his time at Linganore.
“I learned most, if not all, of the material I use now at Linganore. . . As I went through training to get to the FBI everything traced back to Linganore. I would be doing things in college and think ‘Hey! I learned this at Linganore’ or ‘Where do I know this from? Oh I know it from Linganore!’” said Johnson.
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