Enterprise Elementary School

Washington District

The performing arts program at Enterprise Elementary was nonexistent before Deonna Johnson arrived to create it.

For 25 years, she has devoted herself to introducing children to music and to their own musical ability.

She began as a volunteer accompanist at Pioneer Elementary in Slaterville, then moved to St. George where she molded Sunset Elementary School's entire fifth grade into a quality choir.

Washington School District administrators credit Johnson with playing a pivotal role in bringing performing arts instruction to Enterprise Elementary five years ago.

The goal was to motivate students in this rural community to aspire to greater academic achievement through involvement in the performing arts.

"The arts are so important to kids — they get a self-confidence that they don't get in other things," Johnson said. "Kids can accomplish really miraculous things if you don't tell them they can't."

At her own expense, Johnson traveled to clinics, conferences and workshops and became certified in teaching the performing arts.

She volunteers eight hours per week, providing music education at Enterprise. Among other projects, she directs the school choir and has created a drum circle for the school's at-risk students to help them learn cooperation and unity.