Hunter Johnson
Student-Athlete Attending St. Lawrence University
Hunter Johnson is a student-athlete who served as the senior class president at South Burlington High School in Vermont, where he also competed in track and football. To further his athletic and academic career, he attended two of New England’s most prestigious preparatory institutions: Loomis Chaffee School in Windsor, Connecticut, where he played football, and the Westminster School in Simsbury, Connecticut a historic boarding school known for its rigorous academics and powerhouse New England prep sports programs, where he played lacrosse. Having demonstrated his versatility and leadership across multiple programs, Hunter is now headed to Canton, New York, to play collegiate football for the St. Lawrence University Saints.
TRANSCRIPT
My fellow Vermonters, family, friends, I'm going to start you off with a question: How will people remember your legacy? And most importantly, how will you change the world today?
My name is Hunter Johnson. Last year, I graduated as class president from South Burlington High School. I currently attend Westminster School down in Connecticut. Next year, I plan to play football at St. Lawrence University, and hopefully lacrosse. Today, I have the honor of speaking on behalf of Javen Sears. When Javen called me a few months ago and told me what he wanted to do for the state of Vermont, I honestly wasn't surprised at all. This is a man who refuses to let age define his capabilities. He's one of the hardest working people I know, and he's committed to changing the state for the better.
Growing up in South Burlington, I had the privilege of playing youth football with Javen Sears. This is where I first met Javen at the Dolphins. But most importantly, it's where I learned what hard work truly means. I'm not just talking about the miles we ran or the endless push-ups Coach Rene made us do—although those were definitely hard work too. I'm talking about showing up for one another day by day, being dependable, building relationships, and lifting each other up. Showing up is exactly what Javen did for me. Whether it was standing on the sidelines during my youth and high school football games, or leading intense training sessions during Covid when many people stopped believing in themselves, Javen doesn't just show up for me—he shows up for his community. He shows up for Vermont.
Nowadays, people get so caught up in the division our country is facing. But at the end of the day, it's about the relationships we build with one another that matter the most. As a young person, I see firsthand how this division has impacted this generation. Hate should never be the foundation we build on. Instead, we should use our struggles and disagreements as fuel to strengthen the American dream and bring people together.
We need to come together as Vermonters and continue valuing this beautiful state we call home. Too often, we watch our own friends, family, and many young ones leave the state of Vermont for a cheaper option. But Vermont deserves leaders who will fight to keep opportunity here. We need leaders who care about the community, hard work, and the future of the next generation. We need leaders that are the next generation, and we need them now. This is why I believe in Javen Sears. Thank you.
Hunter Johnson
Tuesday, May 12th, 2026, Javen Sears’ Campaign Launch Party