A group of members from the Atlanta Chapter of the Kingston College (KC) Old Boys' Association recently paid a visit to fellow Old Boy, Ralston Johnson, in his Snellville, Georgia home. Johnson, a member of the KC class of 1966, shared his remarkable journey from a reluctant athlete to a successful chemical engineer.
During his time at KC (1959-1966), Johnson was primarily focused on his studies, excelling in mathematics, physics, and chemistry. However, his academic pursuits didn't deter him from a surprising athletic career.
"I was never really into representative sports," Johnson recalled. "My focus was on my studies. But then, in lower sixth form, my upper classmate, Ossie Bailey, convinced me to run for Hanna House in the intramural sports day. To my surprise, I won the 220-yard race."
This unexpected victory sparked the interest of the school's track coaches, who encouraged him to join the team. Johnson embraced the challenge and quickly became a valuable member, culminating in a triumphant victory in the 4x100 relay at the high school championships in 1966.
The team's success extended beyond Jamaica. They traveled to the prestigious Penn Relays in Pennsylvania, where they once again emerged victorious. This third consecutive win by KC at the Penn Relays resulted in the retirement of the relay shield, which was brought back to Jamaica as a symbol of their dominance.
Following his graduation from KC, Johnson pursued a degree in Chemical Engineering at McMaster University in Canada. Upon returning to Jamaica, he embarked on a successful career in the bauxite and alumina industry, working for Revere Copper & Brass and the JAVEMEX joint venture with Mexico, Jamaica, and Venezuela.
After a fulfilling career in Jamaica, Johnson decided to migrate to the United States. He secured a position as an engineer with Kaiser in Louisiana, where he remained for over 36 years before relocating to Georgia in 2014. Two of his four sons, Wayne and Brandon live nearby and are teachers at the University of Georgia and Doraville Elementary School, respectively.
The visit from the Atlanta Chapter of the KC Old Boys' Association brought back fond memories for Johnson. He expressed his delight at seeing his fellow alumni and reminiscing about their shared experiences at Kingston College.
This visit serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of KC on its graduates, fostering lifelong friendships and celebrating the achievements of its distinguished alumni.