VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — More than two dozen employees and volunteers at the Virginia Aquarium showed up to help us honor the latest News 3 Everyday Hero.
Staff members say Ennis Johnson, 80, is hard to catch up with because he’s always on the move. Before we presented him with the award, the retired Virginia Beach contractor was hard at work on some of the aquarium's benches.
Since he retired 15 years ago, Johnson has volunteered as a diver, providing security, preparing food, and being an all around fix-it-guy at the aquarium.
“They're still looking for something I can do properly, so they keep moving me around," Johnson joked.
His modesty is part of his charm. And based on the number of coworkers who showed up for him on his special day, he’s an invaluable part of the aquarium team.
“He’s passionate about our conservation mission and he’s also passionate about making sure things look right, work right, and he’s got the skills to make that happen,” said Chris Witherspoon with the aquarium.
And back to those benches he was repairing—there are two, side-by-side, next to the water. One is for his wife, who passed away in 2021, and the other is for him.
“She was sick when I got my bench and wasn’t able to come to the dedication. So they took up a donation after she died and bought that bench,” explained Johnson.
From helping with the stranding team to logging hours helping with inventory, the seasoned volunteer's dedication is something those at the aquarium look up to.
“To us, he’s a hero because of the number of things that he does for us and helps get fixed around here,” said Witherspoon.
We presented Johnson with a News 3 Everyday Hero award, along with a $300 Visa gift card from our community partner, Southern Bank.
“I certainly appreciate this. This is totally unexpected, I’ll say its been a pleasure since I’ve been working here at the aquarium and this shows the appreciation you present to us volunteers. I appreciate it, personally, very much,” said Johnson upon receiving the award.
