Carroll Monroe Johnston

Carroll was born on September 20, 1936, in Mesa, Arizona. He attended schools in Mesa and later graduated from Durango High School in Colorado in 1954. There, he was known for his athleticism and leadership. He served as freshman and junior class president and as student body president during his senior year. He earned varsity letters in football, baseball, and basketball. In 1993, he was selected as quarterback for Durango High School's "100-Year Football Team".

Carroll attended Brigham Young University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education, with a minor in Health, in 1958. He played football at BYU for three years, was ranked the 10th-leading passer in the nation during his junior year, and received the Most Valuable Player Award during his senior year.

Carroll moved to Las Vegas in 1958 and began a 37-year career with the Clark County School District (CCSD) as a teacher at Fremont Junior High School. After teaching for one year, he was drafted into the U.S. Army on June 11, 1959. He served until March 15, 1961, when he was honorably discharged upon completing his military service.

Carroll then returned to CCSD, teaching and coaching at Western High School for the next seven years. During his time at Western, he served as a class adviser, club sponsor, teacher, school counselor, and dean of students. He also coached the football and basketball teams.

In 1969, Carroll became assistant principal of R.O. Gibson Junior High School. The following year, he was appointed principal of K.O. Knudson Junior High School, where he served for three years. He then became principal of E.W. Clark High School, a position he held for eight years before being appointed principal of Chaparral High School. After 10 years at Chaparral, Carroll was selected to open the new Green Valley High School. He served as the school's founding principal until his retirement in 1997.

While working as an educator, Carroll earned two master's degrees: a Master of Education from Colorado State College in 1962 and a Master of Arts in Education, with concentrations in Guidance and Counseling and School Administration, from Northern Arizona University in 1967.

Carroll was affiliated with numerous professional organizations throughout his life. He was a member of the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association and served as its president from 1989 through 1995. He also served on the Board of Directors of the National Federation of High School Athletics and Activities and received a Distinguished Service Award from the National Federation of State High School Associations in 1994.

Carroll was a member of the Clark County Association of Secondary School Principals, the Clark County Association of School Administrators, and the National Association of Secondary School Principals. He received two Administrator of the Year awards: one from the Nevada Music Educators in 1994 and another from the Clark County Library Association in 1996. He was granted lifetime membership in both the Parent Teacher Association and the National Student Council Association.

Carroll was inducted into the Clark County School District Excellence in Education Hall of Fame in 1995, the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association Hall of Fame in 1998, and the Clark County High School Coaches Hall of Fame in 1999. In 1995, he received the Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award, which honors educators who inspire excellence in education.

In 2006, the Clark County School District commemorated Carroll's lifelong commitment to education and the community by establishing Carroll M. Johnston STEM Academy of Environmental Studies. The school stands as a testament to his enduring dedication to educating future generations.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Carroll's greatest joy was his family. He loved spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. Whether attending their sporting events, watching his favorite sports with them, or taking family trips, he never missed an opportunity to be part of their day-to-day lives. Carroll was the patriarch of his family in the truest sense of the word.

Carroll leaves behind a loving and devoted family, as well as a cherished circle of friends. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Kelda Johnston; his daughter, Kelli Johnston, and son-in-law, Craig Borgard; his beloved grandsons, Robbie Tschogl, Jordan Johnston, Brandon Borgard and Logan Walker, who was not a grandson by blood but was one in every way that mattered.

He was preceded in death by his sons, Jeff Johnston and Jerry Johnston; his sisters, Janice Johnston Webb and Betty Johnston Lamoreaux; his brother, Glenn Johnston; his parents, Clutha Layton Johnston Harvey and Dallas Johnston; and his stepfather, Joe Harvey.

Those who knew Carroll will remember him not only for the life he lived, but also for the lives he touched. His compassion, generosity, and unwavering desire to do good will remain with all who knew him for years to come.

Viewings will be held at Palm Mortuary - 1600 South Jones Boulevard on September 3 and September 4, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. each evening. Carroll will be laid to rest in a private burial at Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Carroll M. Johnston STEM Academy of Environmental Studies, 5855 Lawrence St., North Las Vegas, NV 89081.