West Johnston High School or WJHS is located in Benson, North Carolina. It is part of Johnston County School district and was established in the 2002-2003 school year to address crowding problems in other local high schools.HistoryThe first graduating class of West Johnston was in 2004, and the first class to graduate after full-four year completion was in 2006. Dr. Patricia Harris led the school for its first 4 years and worked to build the school's reputation as one of the top high schools in the state. In 2006-2007, Brookie Honeycutt took over as principal. Now in 2011, Paula Coates has taken the place of the new principal.Marching bandThe marching band program at West is directed by Philip Franklin. The band has performed in many local, regional and national events including the Bands of America Grand Nationals many times. In 2007 the marching band placed 15 of approximately 90 other competing bands from across the country. The band was also chosen to represent the state by marching in the 2005 Inaugural Parade honoring President George W. Bush. In November 2008 the band also participated in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade where they were the first to use props.This 2012-2013 school year, the band has been invited by the Lord Mayer herself and the director of the whole shindig to perform in London's New Years Day parade.On March 23, 2010, police arrested Mitchell Lance Britt, former band director at West Johnston High School for 3 counts of felony sexual offense involving a student and one count sexually exploiting a minor. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has been asked to assist because several incidents have been accused of happening on band trips in other states. Mr. Britt is suspected of having sexual relations with multiple students in his home. Federal agents have said they found videos of Britt and another student, that are sexual in nature involving nudity. Mr. Britt resigned in November 2009 and was living in Pennsylvania looking for other school jobs at the time of his arrest.
