Peter Johnson is only just starting his high school career, yet his list of accomplishments looks as if he is a senior, or even beyond!  This young man has been a Cape Kid, who graduated to a Junior Board Member for Wear the Cape and kidkind Foundation, since he was in elementary school. Peter not only wears his Cape daily, but encourages his friends, family, and peers to Wear their Capes, as well.

Peter expressed that he wants to help others because he understands how fortunate he is to have “two great parents and a loving family,” which includes an older and younger sister. He realizes that not everyone is as lucky as he is, and wants to help make a difference in the lives of others.

He’s already made quite a difference! In October, 2014 Peter received the Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School’s Panther Pride award for demonstrating good character, concern for others, respect for school and self, and for his cooperative spirit.  In his Eight Grade year, Peter was chosen, out off 750 peers, to be the male recipient of the Somerville Elks Lodge #1068 Antler Award for his contributions to the community and academic achievements.

Peter’s mother, Amy Johnson, said her son’s volunteer efforts are self–motivated. He has come to his mom, without prompting, and asked to help others in ways that have amazed her.  Some include, shaving his head five times to raise money for childhood cancer, which was a fundraiser at St. Baldrick’s Church, being an assistant coach for his younger sister, Grace’s Kindergarten soccer team, as well as a member of PRIDE, which is an acronym for Peers Respecting Individual Differences at his school, and volunteering his time for Service Works at St. Bernard’s Church.  Peter was also an active member of his school’s Student Council, throughout his middle school career.

One of his greatest volunteer efforts was deciding to raise money for Autism Awareness, by riding ten miles on his bike for “Pedal for the Puzzle.”  Raising awareness and funds for Autism research is significant for Peter and his family, as his cousin, John Paul has Autism.  His mother recalls that at his family party, following his Confirmation, Peter announced he was going to ride his bike for his cousin, with whom he is very close. “It was special,” his mother recalls.

Peter loves being a part of Wear the Cape. He volunteers every year at kidkind Foundation’s annual holiday fundraiser, and can be found not only wearing his Cape, but also wearing a big, contagious smile.

We truly value the heartfelt work done by Peter Johnson. He is a role model to all people; young and old. He makes time to help others, regardless if he is tired from his long days at school or his soccer, track, or lacrosse practices, and games.  This young man has a bright future, and we are confident he will shine throughout his exciting high school years and truly continue to make a difference in this world.

The founder of Wear the Cape, Leigh Ann Errico, had this to say about Pete’s achievements, “Pete Johnson is a very extra kind of special! I always love when he is around my four children, who are younger than Pete, because I see what an incredible role model he is to them. When Pete volunteers for our Wear the Cape events, he shows up and he sets the tone, he works hard and he is completely in touch with the importance of the mission and doing good for others. The sky is the limit for this special young man!”

Thank you for wearing your Cape, Peter, and for encouraging others to do the same!