Peabody High, Petersburg (1969)

There are several Paulette Walker Johnsons, but there is only one Paulette Walker Johnson that is synonymous with Peabody High School and the VSU Woo-Woos. It has been said by many, “never underestimate all that a VIA Alumni has to portion out to the world.” Dr. Paulette Walker Johnson spent 35 plus years coaching the internationally recognized Virginia State University “Woo-Woos” Cheering Squad. While setting the standard for college level cheering programs, the Woo-Woos and Dr. Johnson have been featured on the BET television network, Urban Sports Network, ESPN and have had numerous appearances on locally based television stations and in Jamaica. In the 1990’s the squad performed at a boxing match staged by the legendary promoter Don King. In 1999, the Mayor of the City of Petersburg established “Dr. Paulette Walker Johnson Day.” Dr. Johnson is noted as the first female athletic director in VSU history who coached the VSU softball team to win its first CIAA Softball Championship.

In the conference, Dr. Johnson was the first president and founder of the CIAA Cheerleader Coaches Association. She is a 2003 inductee of the VSU Wall of Fame, and 2011 inductee into the CIAA John B. McLendon Hall of Fame.

Morgan State University, Dr. Johnson’s alma mater, can be credited with bridging the maturity gap between her adolescent and adult life. Below is a conversation she often shares:

Dr. Johnson: “Are you a Diva?”
Campers: “Yes ma’am, I am.”
Dr. Johnson: “How do I know?”
Campers: “I have a beautiful mind, a beautiful face, and a beautiful attitude all over this place. Diva”