South Pike High School was visited by motivational speaker Terry W. Johnson last semester. Johnson, a retired army officer is the CEO of “The Champion Within”.

His presentation, presented on November 5, 2009 was entitled: “Empowering Parents”.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army on June 10, 1980 and retired from the military in June 2000 with 20 years of service. Johnson said that he developed his unique leadership style while serving in some of the most elite units in the Army. He spent the last 11 years of his career serving in the Special Forces. As a Special Forces soldier (Green Beret), he conducted nation building operations in South and Central America.

Johnson said that he has always had a tremendous love for teaching and empowering others. He believes that “to whom much is given much is required.” This love for others led him and his wife to develop a company called “The Champions Within”, to help develop leaders in schools, businesses and prisons around the nation.

Johnson is from Marietta, Texas and married to the former Renee Minor of Rayville, Louisiana. They live in Oxford, Mississippi. Johnson is also the author of two personal development books “Train Like You Fight”: The 8-Step Life Motivation Guide and “Rules of Engagement”: The 8-Principals of Leadership.