SCOPE honors Boundary Crosser Carolyn Johnson

Kind words for the SCOPE Celebration honoree Carolyn Johnson were not in short supply Tuesday evening for the presentation of the 2015 Boundary Crosser award at Michael’s on East. 

Former recipients of the Boundary Crosser award and former colleagues took the time to speak of Johnson’s accomplishments and time served on several local non-profit organization boards. Some of the boards Johnson has served include the Ringling College Library Association, Ringling Museum, Ringling College of Art and Design and Planned Parenthood. 

Cathy Layton, the 2014 Boundary Crosser recipient, compared Johnson’s leadership style to her hobby of riding tandem bicycles with her husband Bob Johnson across the John Ringling Causeway.

“A good tandem bike ride requires a seamless team spirit,” Layton said. “Cyclist Carolyn Johnson is boundary crosser Carolyn Johnson. She’s a trusting, powerful woman and is as natural as a duo, in the boardroom and in a committee as she is in her own personal achievements.”

In Johnson’s acceptance speech she gave her tips for what she calls ‘joyful living.’ Her advice included welcoming change, being generous in her opinion of others and going camping. 

Getting by with a little help from her friends is how Johnson describes her efforts throughout the community and finished the evening with a thank-you performance of The Beatles song “With a Little Help From my Friends.” Johnson positioned herself at the baby grand piano and invited friends to join her on drums, guitar and sing along while she played.