North Attleboro High School Alumni Association

Patti Johnson
Excellence in Education Award
2025

Born and raised in Auburn, Massachusetts, Patti Johnson graduated from Auburn High School before earning her Psychology degree from the College of the Holy Cross in 1984. Although she initially aspired to become a Special Education teacher, Patti's career took a different path, leading her to a distinguished career in education and coaching at North Attleboro High School.

Patti began her professional journey at a Community Treatment Complex in Winchester, Massachusetts, where she worked with teens in school treatment programs and served as a Research Assistant, contributing to several published articles. She later held a similar role at Alternatives Unlimited in Millis, Massachusetts, supporting the Vocational Program Director.

Patti's connection to North Attleboro began in 1987 when she became the Head Cheerleading Coach at North Attleboro High School, a position she still holds. Over the past 38 years, her teams have achieved extraordinary success, including three New England Championships, ten State Championships, and 24 Hockomock Championships. Patti’s dedication and coaching excellence have made her the winningest coach in North Attleboro Athletics history. In 2015, the Massachusetts School Administrators Association named her Coach of the Year.

Beyond her accolades, Patti has profoundly impacted the lives of over a thousand student-athletes, serving as a mentor and role model. She remains deeply committed to maintaining relationships with her former cheerleaders and takes pride in witnessing their continued growth and accomplishments.

Patti's contributions to the community extend beyond athletics. Since 1991, she has operated a home daycare, initially for friends and family but now serving the children of her former cheerleaders. This second-generation connection highlights her enduring influence and deep ties within the community.

Family has always been central to Patti’s life. She and her husband Don—himself a recipient of the NAHS Alumni Association's Excellence in Education Award—raised three children: daughter Regan and sons Danny and Patrick. Patti is also a proud grandmother to Layla.

Patti's coaching philosophy emphasizes accountability and respect for cheerleading as a competitive sport. Her approach has elevated the program’s status within North Attleboro Athletics, fostering widespread recognition for the discipline and athleticism involved. Mentors like former Athletic Directors Ray Beaupre and Paul Sullivan, along with her husband Don's support, have inspired her growth as a coach and educator.

Patti urges students and aspiring coaches to embrace resilience, passion, and dedication—values that have guided her exceptional career and continue to inspire those who know her.