Courtesy Jeopardy Productions Inc.
What’s Happening: Pete Johnston, a 2003 graduate of Alma High School and 2007 graduate of Alma College, will make his debut on the “Jeopardy!” television show Tuesday, July 15. In Isabella and Gratiot Counties, “Jeopardy!” airs at 7 p.m. on CBS.
What They’re Saying: “The moment I stepped on that stage, it was surreal,” he says. “It felt like I was inside the TV show I’ve watched my whole life. It moved really quickly, almost in a blur. So, I’ll be excited to check it out for myself and remember all that happened.”
Johnston’s Trivia Background: Johnston grew up in Alma in a household of eight children. Every night, the family watched the program, racing each other to see who could get the correct answer first.
As a member of Alma High School’s Quiz Bowl team, he had the opportunity to have an early start in trivia competitions.
When Johnston attended Alma College, he notes being deeply influenced by professors such as Sandy Lopez-Isnardi, Carrie Parks-Kirby, and Bob Rozier. “They really shaped me as a student and artist,” he says. “It was such a supportive environment.”
He also shares that Alma’s liberal arts approach gave him the kind of broad knowledge base that comes in handy on a show like “Jeopardy!,” saying, “That broad background is really key.”
“You take sociology, geography, history, communications, math—everything. It makes a huge difference.”
Before The Show: Johnston took the online “Jeopardy!” test on a whim and shares he was somewhat surprised to advance through the process. Steps involved additional exams, Zoom-monitored assessments, and a mock game played virtually with other potential contestants.
In March, he received the official invitation for the May taping of his episode in Culver City, California.
Behind the Scenes of When Johnston Met Ken Jennings: “(Jennings) came by before anything even started—before wardrobe or makeup—and just introduced himself to all of us. He said, ‘I’ve been in your shoes. I know what it’s like,’” Johnston recalls. “He was so gracious, and then once the cameras were on—total pro. Funny, smart, quick.”
Fun Fact: On Johnston getting a photo with Jennings, Johnston shares: “He was like, ‘What should we do for the picture?’ I said, ‘How about finger guns?’ He was totally game. That was awesome.”
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With 15 years of professional media experience, Courtney Jerome has found a passion for storytelling and showcasing our region in a positive light. She's written stories for television broadcasts, numerous magazines, and digital publications. In addition, she owns a boutique creative marketing agency that focuses on social media, photo, and video storytelling for small businesses across Michigan and the country — courtneyjeromemedia.com. Contact Courtney, the managing editor of Epicenter, at editor@epicentermtpleasant.com.