On one of the biggest days of her life, Newman University graduate Allie Johnson won the 2025 Leona J. Ablah Award.
Each year at commencement, one male and one female student are awarded the Ablah Awards. These awards were established by Fran and Geri (Ablah) Jabara to honor Geri’s parents, Harvey J. and Leona J. Ablah, and to perpetuate their vision of entrepreneurism and the American dream. Both award recipients must graduate with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher, and each student receives a monetary award.
A moment of awe and gratitude
Johnson, an elementary education graduate, stood beside a group of outstanding peers when she heard her name called by Vice President of Academic Affairs Alden Stout. The surprise was genuine.
“I really didn’t believe it,” she said. “It was just an awe moment for me. All I could think was giving thanks to God for this opportunity.”
The moment was especially meaningful because Johnson had already felt honored just to be nominated. The award, she said, reaffirmed her calling to serve and uplift others.
Johnson’s time at Newman University was marked by extraordinary involvement and a deep commitment to service. She held several leadership positions, including serving as the education/social work chair on the Student Government Association and the Student President’s Cabinet. She was also an active member of the Newman Dance Team, Campus Ministry, Circle K International, Jets for Life and the Teachers Club.
From early in her college career, Johnson looked for ways to give back. As a freshman, she helped assemble care packages for veterans in need, one of her most memorable projects. She later volunteered with children who have special needs at inclusive community events — a cause close to her heart and inspired in part by her younger brother Ty.
Inspired by the words of the 2025 commencement speaker J.T. Klaus, Johnson echoed the belief that service is a guiding principle for life.
“I was always taught growing up that service was one of the main priorities in life,” she said. “Giving back to the community and giving back to anybody that’s helped you along the way is so important.”
Prepared to teach with purpose
In the classroom, on the court, or in meetings with peers and faculty, Johnson developed essential skills in time management, communication and advocacy — all of which she plans to carry into her future as a teacher.
When asked what drew her to education, Johnson lit up.
“I’ve had multiple teachers be my favorites, and so I’ve always had a passion to work with kids,” she said. “I want to be able to advocate for them, especially for those who need someone to speak up for them.”
That passion for advocacy, combined with her faith and life experiences, is what drives Johnson to make a difference. She credits influential professors such as Associate Professor of Education Huachuan Wen and former professor Janet Jump for helping shape her vision for the future.
“It’s been an honor to graduate with amazing professors,” she said. “I really give thanks to those two.”
Overcoming personal loss with resilience
Johnson’s college journey was not without hardship. During her time at Newman, she experienced the painful loss of several important people in her life. These challenges, though difficult, shaped her growth and deepened her resolve.
“Despite these hardships, I have experienced significant successes, such as graduating with honors and being accepted into the master’s program,” she shared. “These accomplishments reflect my resilience and determination.”
Her commitment to academic excellence and community involvement never wavered. Those who nominated her for the Ablah Award took notice.
One nominator wrote, “Allie is inspired by her faith and the teachers who paved the way.”
Another added, “She has made it her life’s mission to create a safe and positive learning environment for her future students. She has a heart for those with special needs and has made a positive difference in her community throughout her life and particularly during her time at Newman University.”
A bright future at Westmoreland Elementary
Though she won’t be teaching in the school district where she grew up, Johnson said she feels strongly connected to her roots and is eager to give back in whatever ways she can.
“I want to be remembered for being the voice that others need to make a positive change in this world,” she said. “I’m super excited to give back, not only to my family, but to the community back home.”
Johnson has already accepted her first teaching position as a first-grade teacher at Westmoreland Elementary, a Title I school just north of Manhattan, Kansas.
“I’ve already met some of my kiddos, so I’m really excited to get started in the classroom,” Johnson said.
She’s committed to building a classroom that is inclusive and empowering for all students.
“I plan to continue encouraging and enhancing diversity and inclusion in education by creating a classroom environment where every student feels valued, respected and supported,” she said. “I aim to integrate diverse perspectives into my lesson plans and activities, so students can see themselves reflected in the curriculum.”
As her name is added to the Ablah Award wall of honor in De Mattias Hall, Johnson is already preparing to live out the values it represents — in every lesson she teaches, every student she uplifts and every act of kindness she extends.
“I want to be remembered that you can always do anything you put your mind to,” Johnson said. “I want to advocate for those who can’t and be the voice that people need to make a change in this world.”
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