DeSoto ISD Sixth-Grade Author Reflects the Legacy of Katherine Johnson Through Creativity and Confidence
At Katherine Johnson Technology Magnet Academy (KJTMA), sixth-grader
Morgan Ruth Johnson is carrying forward the spirit of her school’s namesake by
boldly pursuing her dreams and creating new possibilities for herself and
others.
Morgan became a published author with her debut book, Morgan’s
Marvelous Memories, released May 12, 2023, on Amazon, following her
participation in the Young Inspired Writers Program at KJTMA. The collection of
short stories grew out of her participation in National Novel Writing Month’s
Young Writers Program (NaNoWriMo), where she challenged herself to write a
story every day for 30 days. From those daily drafts, she selected and
illustrated five favorites—Dreams About Disneyland; My Dragon Story; My
Ballerina Story; Morgan’s Restaurant; and First Grade Fun—to publish
in her first book.
“I wanted to create stories that kids like me would enjoy
and that would remind them they can do anything if they keep going,” Morgan
said.
Her parents, Maurice and Stevina Johnson, shared how
meaningful this journey has been for their family.
“As Morgan’s parents, we were overjoyed to learn that she
had written and illustrated a book while participating in the KJTMA Young
Inspired Writers Program. What started as some extra assignments during
distance learning transformed into a realized vision during an afterschool club
and resulted in our daughter becoming a published author at 9 years old. We are
so grateful that her grandmother, Regina Wyatt, a retired DISD educator,
volunteered at KJTMA and helped Morgan and several students publish their first
books. From that experience, Morgan still enjoys reading, writing, and
illustrating.”
That belief in herself echoes the legacy of Katherine
Johnson, the African American mathematician whose trailblazing NASA work
shattered barriers for women and people of color in STEM fields. Just as
Katherine Johnson used mathematics and persistence to help send astronauts into
space, Morgan is using imagination and determination to share her voice and
inspire others.
“Morgan’s story is powerful because she is walking in the
legacy of Katherine Johnson,” said KJTMA Principal Yolanda Hanspard. “Katherine
Johnson broke boundaries and made history through her intellect and confidence,
and Morgan is showing those same qualities as a young scholar who believes in
herself and her abilities.”
Her success also highlights DeSoto ISD’s commitment to the
Triple A Experience—Academics, Arts, and Athletics—which allows scholars to
explore their passions in a supportive environment. The district’s emphasis on
literacy, backed by Board-adopted student achievement goals and strengthened
through technology-driven tools such as i-Ready and AI-based reading supports,
has led to measurable growth in student performance.
“Morgan’s accomplishment shows what happens when we create
space for scholars to dream boldly and put those dreams into action,” said
DeSoto ISD Chief Academic Officer Dr. Stephanie McCloud. “Her work as a
published author reflects the opportunities our district provides through
advanced academics and the arts. Just like Katherine Johnson, Morgan is a
trailblazer whose confidence and creativity are paving the way for others.”
With a 5-star rating on Amazon and growing recognition, Morgan’s
Marvelous Memories is more than a book—it is a reflection of what is
possible when young people like Morgan see themselves as capable and believe in
the power of their own stories.
Morgan’s book is available on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/Morgans-Marvelous-Memories-Morgan-Johnson/dp/B0C51XDB5N