CLEWISTON- Johnny Navarro, Jr. was born in Pahokee, and raised in Clewiston.  He was raised by a single mother who lived pay check to paycheck. He played football at Clewiston High School, and graduated eventually moving on to Santa Fe College. He transferred to the University of Miami, where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in production, and minored in theater.

“My whole life has taken place in Clewiston. The people, the sports, my dad used to be the boiler room operator at the sugar mill, and my mom runs the Miss Latina of the Glades pageants,” he explained.

When asked about anyone he felt made a huge impact on him, he said, “I’d say everybody that I’ve come in contact within my life has left some sort of impact on me- good or bad - some shout outs would possibly include Teresa Salvatore one of my teachers from Clewiston Christian, and Kaleigh Limper one of my teachers from CHS.”

He also said one of the best things about Clewiston is, “the amount of love and support everyone has for one another when someone is struggling we all come together as a community to ensure they have support.”

“Despite all the troubles, and things I had to get over, growing up here was amazing and I wouldn’t want to have grown up elsewhere,” he said. “I’ve recently moved back. I’m just wanting to make Hendry County (Clewiston) a place welcome for anybody!”

Recently, he  announced he had accepted the role of Westside Elementary School’s newest Musical Theater Production teacher.

“I am not only excited for this new endeavor but I also cannot wait to create a welcoming environment, that will serve as a place of escapism for the kids, as soon as they walk through the door. I’m hoping I can count on the community to help me with this,” he exclaimed. He also added that he had an Amazon classroom wish list, where anyone can help purchase items that Navarro believes will not only “strengthen his students creativity and social skills but will also help build a setting that will make them forget about any outside worries.”

The community responded to Navarro’s announcement with many congratulations, and tons of excitement.

“He is going to be an excellent asset to the school and its students,” said Stephanie Royal, a mom and retired music teacher, with children who will attend Westside Elementary this fall.

“We are excited for him to be our new music teacher, I bet he will do lots of cool things with us!” said Royal’s youngest son.

The link to Johnny Navarro’s Classroom Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1EDYFD49FAM7B?ref_=wl_share