BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Retired Circuit Court Judge Pete Johnson has been recognized as this week’s Alabama Champion for his more than 40 years of dedication to teaching, encouraging, and transforming lives. Johnson, who hails from Birmingham, has been instrumental in shaping young leaders through his work with Boys State and in establishing the state’s first drug court.
“You should help young people, you should encourage young people… and if somebody is in trouble don’t look down on ’em,” said Johnson. “Try to give ’em a hand up.”
For 43 years, Johnson has directed Boys State, an interactive camp at the University of Alabama that educates young men on government operations. The camp divides participants into mythological cities where they elect mayors and city councils, simulating real governmental functions…