At Madison’s La Follette High School, Johnnie Milton, Jr. has spent the last 12 years as the multicultural student services coordinator, a challenging and fulfilling role. His primary responsibility is working with students of color to prepare them for life after high school.
Most high school freshmen don’t know what they want to do in four years when they graduate. Milton helps them create a plan—whether it’s college, a job or military service.
“I tell my students that I spend more time with them at school than with my family, so let’s make our time together valuable,” said Milton.
Born and raised in Milwaukee, Milton graduated from Rufus King International High School and attended North Dakota State University where he studied social science and humanities. He worked briefly in group and detention centers before making the move to Madison in 1991, following the love of his life, Sheila.
Milton joined the Madison Metropolitan School District, working first at Lowell Elementary School, then later serving as a mentor coordinator at Sennett Middle School before joining the La Follette High School team.
The multicultural student services coordinator role was originated at East High School by now-retired Richard Scott. After Scott’s success with students, the district added the role to all its high schools.
“We learned a lot from Scott’s work,” said Milton. “He held students accountable, really raising the bar.”
Building confidence and connections
Milton helps students build leadership skills and confidence, and he stresses the importance of networking.
“I tell them to put down their phones and interact with the people around them,” he said. “I want them to be business savvy, comfortable calling people and writing letters.”
Milton says he is not afraid to hand out his business card when he meets someone interesting, then follow up afterward with a call or note. He finds this kind of networking helps him build lasting relationships.
That kind of relationship-building is key to winning people’s trust, developing a support network and, ultimately, finding opportunities to better one’s future.
“I try to share what’s helped me be successful,” said Milton.
Lessons in judgment and trust
Some of this comes from wisdom handed down to him by his dad, Johnnie Milton, Sr., now age 97, such as carefully choosing the company you keep and knowing when to disengage.
“I know if I get a tingling sensation that something isn’t right, it’s time to walk away,” said Milton. “My dad always wanted me to come home safely, not end up at a police station or hospital.”
Walking away from negativity, such as an argument or confrontation, is a way Milton—and students today—can control their future.
Making good decisions in high school helps best position students for what comes after graduation.
“My goal is to get them across the stage in four years with some kind of plan for their future,” said Milton. “And I want them to leave with great memories.”
Milton leads an annual college trip with students to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), filling a bus with La Follette, East and Vel Phillips Memorial High Schools students to explore college possibilities. This past spring, they toured the University of Maryland. In years past, they have visited Hampton University, North Carolina Central University, North Carolina A&T State University, Winston-Salem State University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University and Norfolk State University, among others.
“It’s a highlight of the year,” he said.
Being present when students need him
Much of his work with the students focuses on being a good person. He wants them to be leaders, not followers.
He holds regular discussion groups with students, and his door is always open to them.
“In the four years I spend with students at La Follette, something negative will likely happen in a student’s life, such as death or divorce,” said Milton. “I want the students to know that they can come and talk with me. I will make the time.”
Being in the moment didn’t always come easily for Milton.
Once at Sennett Middle School, Milton was working on paperwork when a student came to see him. He put her off so he could finish his work and later learned the student’s sister had attempted suicide. The experience taught him to drop what he is doing and be present with students.
He makes this happen by getting up early (4:30-5 a.m.) to do paperwork and answer emails before the students get to school, so he can be present and give them his full attention.
“I’ve made many mistakes over the years,” he noted. “But when students come back after graduation to visit or have lunch together, I know that we had a connection and that I did something right.”
When building these relationships, Milton isn’t afraid to be silly.
“Sometimes you have to be uncomfortable and vulnerable to win their trust,” he said.
His philosophy is that students do not have to like him, but they must respect him.
Proof in their progress
Milton has worked with a countless number of students, making a big difference in many young lives over the years. He is proud to share his students’ success stories: One graduated from college and now works at the Urban League of Greater Madison with the goal of becoming a lawyer. Another is a manager at Old National Bank, which is paying for her to continue her education. Another is going to school to be a doctor. The list goes on and on.
“I helped these students shake out what they want to do with their lives,” he said.
Milton is grateful for the supportive staff at La Follette High School. He often serves as a liaison between students and teachers, helping both to set expectations, converse with respect and make things right.
Over the last decade working with teenagers, Milton has been cussed at and swung at, and he has witnessed senseless fighting and gun situations. But when he leaves the building at the end of the day, he leaves it all behind.
“I’m like an Etch A Sketch,” he explained. “I shake it clear and start with a fresh slate each day.”
Creating spaces to belong
In addition to the annual HBCU tours, Milton oversees the Black Student Union. The group gathers for a Thanksgiving meal each November and students get to invite a special staff member.
“They have to share why they invited that person,” he said. “There are a lot of touching stories.”
He also leads a Men’s Group that discusses domestic situations, alcoholism, relationships and more. The group gives young men a place to open up about their lives, struggles, perspectives and dreams while learning how to handle challenges.
Milton wears many hats in his endeavors to make a difference in the lives of multicultural students at La Follette High School.
“I believe the more you give, the more you receive,” he said.
In his free time, Milton likes to work out, watch Denzel Washington movies, travel and spend time with his wife and adult daughters. He enjoys good music and good food.
That healthy lifestyle keeps him strong and focused as he continues working to be a positive influence on the next generation.
