Ralph Janikowsky — A Return Home
Ralph’s Story: I served in the US Navy for 28 years. My wife Linda and I moved 13 times during this period. Perhaps the most challenging move was to Yokosuka, Japan in 1994. Our daughter Leslie was 5 years old and attended the DoD school in Yokosuka for kindergarten and first grade. Upon returning to the States in April 1996, we placed Leslie in our local public school. Almost immediately, Linda could tell something wasn’t right. Linda began to search for a school that would not only educate Leslie but would shepherd her heart as well. The more Linda searched and researched, the more frustrated she became. Was there a school that really cared about the souls of their students?
“We were looking for a school that would not only educate our daughter, but would shepherd her heart and soul.”
A dear friend told Linda about a small new school called Rockbridge Academy. Our friend’s daughter attended Rockbridge and she strongly recommended we take a look at this new school. Thus started our journey in classical Christian education! From Linda’s first tour and discussion with Rockbridge teachers and parents, we were convinced this was the school that would care for Leslie’s heart and soul. We applied right away, only to learn her third grade class was full! Devastation! Then two weeks before the start of school, we received a call from Rockbridge telling us a seat opened up. Prayers answered!
Leslie started at Rockbridge that fall, and we never looked back. I served on the school board for two years and in 2001, resigned from the board when the Navy transferred me to San Diego. Leslie and our younger daughter, Kristen, who just started at Rockbridge, were both very sad to leave. After serving two years in California, the Navy sent us back to DC, and our family rejoined Rockbridge Academy! Leslie and Kristen were back where they belonged, and Linda became the Upper School math teacher – her all-time favorite job!
The Lord used my last Navy tour at the Pentagon to set me on a new course. As Rockbridge flourished and grew, Mike McKenna (then-Headmaster) asked if I would consider becoming the Upper School Principal. I couldn’t wait to get started, even if my new office was a converted cleaning closet with no ventilation and shared with two other people! After so much time away from my family during my Navy career, the next two years with all four of us at Rockbridge Academy was a true gift from God! Both our daughters graduated from Rockbridge Academy and were more than prepared for the academics of college and to grow spiritually during college. Linda and I have remained involved in classical Christian education ever since!
The colleagues, parents, and students we were surrounded by at Rockbridge Academy we count as the most important part of our classical Christian experience. We are grateful for the friendship, encouragement, and Christian community that cared for and loved us at Rockbridge. The Lord truly blessed us and continues to bless our family through our Rockbridge Academy experience.
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