Local 14-year-old pursues his dreams

GO FOR IT—When in kindergarten, Zachary Johnson had already set his sights on becoming president of the United States. It isn't every day that children are recognized for their extraordinary ambition.

Fourteen-year-old Zachary Johnson from Agoura Hills is one such young person, his hands involved in numerous extracurricular activities and his eyes set on a future career in politics.

"He used to say in kindergarten, if I'm not mistaken, that he wanted to be the president, and I used to think it was probably true," said Westlake Village Mayor Sue McSweeney, who is Zachary's neighbor.

At the age of 12, Zachary went to the People to People World Leadership Forum in Washington D.C. The forum's audience consisted of young people who are about one day making a difference in the world of politics—an interest that has always been close to Zachary's heart.

He will be attending an exclusive People to People Law Summit at Stanford University from Aug. 6 to 15, along with about 20 other teenagers between the ages of 14 and 18.

"We're going to be studying what it takes to get into Stanford Law and we're going to do a mock trial," Zachary said. "It's basically like a little college class on law."

He recently graduated from the Gifted and Talented Education program at Lindero Canyon Middle School with straight As. While at the school, he won multiple academic and athletic awards and served on the student council and the school site committee.

Going from middle school to high school is an anxious time for many students, but with plans to start a politics club, participate in Associated Student Body leadership and try out for the volleyball team, Zachary cannot wait to start his first year at Agoura High School this fall.

"We thought it'd be a good idea to start a club where we can just have conversations and debate and learn new things," he said of the politics club he plans to begin when he gets to the high school.

Zachary tutors children for free at White Oak Elementary School and is on the staff at First Neighborhood Day Camp in Westlake Village. He is also a Boy Scout leader and troop chaplain for Westlake Village Troop 485 and is working to become an Eagle Scout in high school.

"The conversations I have with Zach Johnson make you think you're talking to an adult," said Ned Davis, Westlake Village City Council member. "The kid, he's just got it. He's working to be an Eagle Scout, he's involved in everything—he's a doer. He's the real deal."

Ever since he was young Zachary has had his eye on politics and is already mapping out his goals.

"I'm going to do something with business and law before I go into politics so that I can make my start in the working world for a little while," Zachary said. "Then I'll get my shift into politics where I can try to be elected as mayor, then in the House or Senate or maybe even governor.

"I just want to say to everyone to follow their dreams and never give up on making a difference."