‘Still loyal to you, Elgin High:’ Chicago mayor named to school’s Hall of Fame

He may be the mayor of the third-largest city in the United States, but Brandon Johnson said Tuesday he will always be an Elgin High School Maroon.

“I know that I am the mayor of Chicago, but I am still loyal to you, Elgin High,” he proclaimed, at a ceremony inducting him to the school's Hall of Fame.

With cheering from classmates, former teachers and his relatives, the 1994 graduate paid tribute to the Elgin Area School District U-46 school.

Johnson was class president and student council president, performed in the band and played football.

“The last time a principal talked so long about me, I was about to get suspended,” he joked after EHS Principal Avelira Rodriguez-Gonzalez introduced him.

Rodriguez-Gonzalez said it was important for today's students, especially those of color, to know that one of them grew up to become a significant leader. It will inspire them, she said.

“His journey from student to public servant and leader of one of the nation’s great cities is a testament to perseverance, purpose, and the power of public education. It shows that the path from Elgin High School can lead anywhere, even to the highest levels of leadership,” she said.

Johnson spoke about teachers who influenced him, including several who attended the ceremony.

“The education I received here not only molded me into a well-rounded person,” he said, but amazing teachers inspired me to become an educator myself.“

From there, he became an organizer for the Chicago Teachers Union, then a Cook County board member, then mayor.

A high school experience was also a “triggering event” for his political drive.

“I've only lost one election in my life, and that was when I ran for re-election for class president,” he said.

John Devine, a retired history teacher, presented Johnson with a copy of the 1994 yearbook, with Johnson's high school transcript tucked inside. He said it showed Johnson had gotten As in leadership, English and acting classes – all skills useful to a mayor, Devine joked.

Retired teacher Gordy Whiting recalled meeting Johnson for the first time.

It was during a field trip to a veterans march in Chicago. One student missed the bus ride home, and chaperone Whiting had to wait downtown for that student, who he did not know.

“Down the street comes Brandon, with the biggest ice cream cone you have ever seen, looking at the big buildings on this beautiful day,” Whiting said. “Was he thinking 'This will all be mine someday?'”

Johnson brought his wife and three children to the ceremony. His father, a sister and several other relatives also attended.

“Elgin will always be my home,” he said.