StM News

Allison Johnston DeViney ’91

• Attended 6th - 12th grade

• Father Dr. William Johnston, Jr., ’63
• Uncle Bruce Johnston, ’67
• Brother William “Guy” Johnston, ’96
• Parent of ’23 & ’27
• Saints Community Organization (SCO) President 
• Krewe of Argus, Executive Director

Talk about your family’s legacy with St. Martin’s:
My Dad (Dr. William Johnston, ’63) and his brother Bruce (’67) both graduated from St. Martin’s. My dad was in one of the classes that started on the Metairie Road campus before moving to Green Acres. My brother (Guy Johnston ’96) had been attending StM since Kindergarten, and I started here in Middle School, in the sixth grade. I remember that day so vividly, I came from an all girls’ school, so the change felt completely different and immediately wonderful! Everyone was so welcoming and kind.

Academics were very important to my dad’s family, but also the values of St. Martin’s - faith, scholarship, and service - were basically my Dad’s personal tenants. He lived by those rules! It was important to continue with the tradition that he and his brother started for our family, and now I get it, as a parent. I grew up living by the school’s pillars and they have become incredibly important to me and my husband as parents of StM students.

What most made you want to continue this legacy, with your own children?

I like the mix of discipline in a caring environment, and the way our school has always been a small, family-like community. I think what makes St. Martin’s unique is the way it balances this feeling with so many great resources. There’s a high standard, but here, students have the option and the opportunity to play a role in so many different aspects of the student experience - sports, academics, fine arts, service work. You know that the school cares and you can see the way teachers will help their students find success in this variety of offerings. 

What are some of your favorite memories of your time at StM? 
I was very artistic, so for me, the balance of art and academics was really refreshing. I basically lived in Mrs. Boone’s art classroom! I loved it. She was so instrumental to me, that when my first son was born, I brought him to her home, so she could see what I created! I also really enjoyed having Dr. Rosenbaum, he was wonderful, and Coach McGeehan was definitely a favorite. I was never a very competitive athlete, but he made me the manager of the Track & Field team. I’ve always had a special place in my heart for him! 

What aspect of your time as a student do you carry with you the most today?

Overall, I think I most benefited from the values that I learned on this campus. I became an independent thinker and was taught to be practical. I gained a real understanding of the importance of giving back to your community, and the importance of remembering your faith, and doing what’s right. 

Talk a little about the bond you share with your children, as you watch them experience some of the same traditions you enjoyed here.
As alumni, my son and I are in a group together, which is bizarre and wonderful! We speak a common language. Last spring, I had the joy of sitting in his Senior Chapel. I couldn’t believe it! I could so vividly remember my own, it was such a full circle moment.

One of your boys is a freshman this year. Talk about your excitement for the future and your hopes for him during his remaining years at StM. 
I’m excited for the brotherhood and bonds my kids have and will form over the years, because I still have such strong friendships with the friends I made at St. Martin’s. In addition to becoming a critical thinker and hard worker, when my son rings that bell after Senior Chapel, I fully expect him to have a second family, a good work ethic and a good head on his shoulders. 

Your family is now deeply involved in Mardi Gras and the Krewe of Argus. Talk about carnival season in your house, and how does your work with the krewe cross paths with your work as a StM parent leader? 
Argus has been a supporter and sponsor of St. Martin’s events for many years, and StM families have served on our court and been riders. We even donate a parade package and the chance to ride with us on Mardi Gras Day! 

My father-in-law, Robert “Bob” DeViney was one of the founders of the Krewe of Argus, and my husband Robby took his place as Captain after he passed away. Since it was founded more than 50 years ago, the krewe has made an intentional effort to support and give back to Jefferson Parish. I’m so happy we do this for our community. The event spaces and vendors we use are Jefferson Parish family - owned businesses. And from a young age, my boys have been involved in the entire process. They’re learning to be civically responsible. This experience has given them a strong work ethic and made them mindful of the importance of their work in the community and the responsibility they have to their community. Just like St. Martin’s focus on service, Robby and I have been working to instill a deeply rooted value in our family to give back to where you live and make your community better for yourself and everyone in it. Whether it’s your team or your homeroom or your krewe, you put in the work to make it better.