Shady Side Academy alumnus and former faculty member Rev. Tom Johnson '73 returned to the Senior School for an "alumni fireside chat" Q&A with Dean of Students Chad Green at all-school assembly on May 11.

Rev. Johnson is the co-founder and head of school at The Neighborhood Academy (TNA) in Pittsburgh, a faith-based, college-preparatory, independent school whose mission it to break the cycle of generational poverty by empowering youth and preparing them for college and citizenship. An ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, he has served as pastor to Allegheny United Church of Christ on the Northside and East Liberty Presbyterian Church. Rev. Johnson speaks to audiences across the Pittsburgh region on issues affecting education and low-income youth.

In the Q&A, Johnson answered questions about himself and his journey from SSA to TNA, and offered students some advice and perspective.

Watch the video below (18:44):