by Claire Carter | Staff Writer

Senior Jesse Kieslich hits the gym to bench press twice his weight in order to be prepared for his daily test of strength. Not football, wrestling, or your typical teenage sport, but holding the door open for hundreds of students each day. Hopeful ones, chivalry is alive at Johnson High School.

For some, holding the door open may seem like a time consuming task, one we aren’t willing to take on. But for Jesse Kieslich, senior Brett Aull, and a chivalrous few, this is a daily routine.

“I’m just glorifying God through holding the door open every day,” Kieslich said. “I think as a believer I should reflect Him, so I let God move in me and he tells me ‘Hey hold that door open’, so I do it.”

And like a message passed through a game of telephone, this attitude transferred to others. Aull decided to model this behavior and take up his knightly armor to become a chivalrous man of honor.

“There’s never a time where I don’t want to do this because it’s an everyday commitment and I make time for it,” Aull said. “I make time for it to be an example of Christ.”

To some, chivalry means paying for a girl on a lovely date at Olive Garden or picking up the binder she dropped on her way to fourth period; but for these boys, chivalry is a test of character.

“Chivalry is not just a respect for women, it’s a respect for everyone. And holding the door open is my way of loving others and sharing the love God has for me,” senior Jesse Kieslich said.

“Chivalry is doing the right thing and treating people the way they need to be treated,” senior Brett Aull added.

These unsung heroes hold the door open everyday for hundreds of Johnson students, going unnoticed and underappreciated. However, a few notice these young gentlemen and commend their knightly behavior.

“Even though holding the door open is such a simple thing, it really shows their character,” sophomore Taylor Cantu said. “Seeing them take the time and initiative to hold doors open for people is just awesome. It gives me hope for society.”

These humble servants contribute to society in a way much different from others. They make time to do what is right, and don’t expect anything in return.

“I’m not doing this to be noticed or recognized,” junior Chris Couch said. “This is my way of giving back to the people who are nice to me.”