Help Pearl Johnson Study Abroad This Fall!

This is all about Pearl Avery Johnson and helping her get an incredible jumpstart on life. This is Matthew Robert Johnson writing on behalf of Shawna(my wife) & for our daughter, Pearl. If you are reading this, you probably have either a personal connection to one of us, or a musical connection to Matt. Welcome to all and thank you for taking a bit of your day to read about Pearl.

Some of you may know me as the drummer for Mike Zito or other musical projects I have been involved with over the years. In 2022, I performed with Mike in Norway at the Notodden Blues Festival in Notodden, NO. I was able to bring along Shawna & Pearl on this trip and we enjoyed our time in Norway immensely. I think this trip may have been a catalyst for Pearl wanting to research and seek out more knowledge about the beautiful country of Norway.

A bit about Pearl

Pearl came into this world on 5/26/07 at 26 weeks gestation and 1lb 15oz of tubes & wires. 10 weeks later she came out of the hospital and since that time has blossomed into the incredible young lady she is today.

Born & raised in Houston, TX(she will always be a Texan by birth). Thriving at St. Catherine’s Montessori School for her “primary” years. Relocating before her 6th grade year to the tiny village of New Salem in rural North Dakota. Pearl has become an incredible artist, state placing speech competitor, as well as a state honored solo percussionist. Pearl has been employed and advanced at the same health care facility for 3 years now. A National Honor Society member and all around great young lady!

A number of months ago, Pearl applied for a position to study abroad in Norway for a period of 7 months beginning in the fall of 2024. The program is through the non-profit organization Greenheart Travel . The application was a lengthy and costly process. It consisted of multiple online forms and essays to complete, video interviews took place, as well as other legal documents that need to be in order for this type of opportunity. She paid for the $1,500 application fee out of her own hard earned money.

We are starting this Go Fund Me so that all of our family, friends, neighbors, or anyone that has a personal connection to Pearl can help her study abroad this fall. Our goal is $20,000. This will cover the cost of the program as well as airfare to/from Oslo, NO. Any donations made in excess of the goal amount will be placed into a savings account and will be held for Pearl’s future college education costs.

Thank you again so much for taking the time to read this.

Follow Pearl’s journey at: pearlartworkdotcom

Please include your mailing address to receive a personalized “Pearl Artwork” postcard with every donation.