BHS Craig Johnson/Ernie Wheeler Athletic Awards Night set for May 19

The 59th Annual Craig Johnson/Ernie Wheeler Athletic Awards Night is scheduled for 8:30 p.m., Monday, May 19 at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall in conjunction with the Senior Scholarship & Awards Ceremony.
The Senior Scholarship & Awards Ceremony is scheduled from 7-8:10 p.m. at the same night and location, and the Athletic Awards Night is set from 8:30-9 p.m.
Each year, student-athletes at Benson High School are recognized and rewarded for their positive influence as role models to younger athletes.
The evening itinerary will include the introduction of West Central Conference performers, Army Reserve National Scholar Athletes and many other awards. The evening will be capped off with the announcement and presentation of the Craig Johnson and Ernie Wheeler Awards.
The Craig Johnson Memorial Award is presented in honor of a gentlemen who taught Science and Physical Education at Benson High School. He was also a coach whose enthusiasm was obvious to all. He demanded excellence in the athletic arena as well as in the academic circle.
Toward the end of the 1953 school year, Craig Johnson started to feel less than his normal self.  By 1954, it was to the point where he could no longer teach. In 1955, at the age of 44, Craig Johnson died of Lou Gehrig’s Disease. This award has been given annually at Benson High School since that time to a student whose scholastic rank is high and who has been an active member of at least one athletic team.