Today we’d like to introduce you to Wallis Brooks.
Hi Wallis, I’m so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, how can you bring our readers up to speed on your story? How did you get to where you are today?
My mother grew up in the San Marco area of Jacksonville and attended Landon High School. She married a Naval aviator, and although I was born in Jacksonville, we moved all over the country. My parents retired in Atlantic Beach, and I attended the University of Florida, graduating with a degree in education. After college, I ended up in Atlantic Beach. My first job out of college was as “Girl Friday” at Beach Radio WJNJ. They gave me a radio show from 10 am to 2 pm. “The Wally Wade Show.” Being part of the Press Corps was a great deal of fun. Eventually, I secured a job at San Jose Catholic School teaching 4th grade and got my Master’s in Administration from the University of North Florida. I also worked for Dean Witter Reynolds as a stockbroker in the early 80’s. After getting married and having our daughter, I was a stay-at-home mom and occasionally helped at my husband’s business. Once our daughter was school-age, I returned my interest and energy to education. When the opportunity to get involved with a new Academic adventure at St. John’s Academy presented itself, I felt the Lord had prepared me for such a time. I have been blessed to lead the school for the past 29 years and have watched it grow from 15 to 250 students. God is so good!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Personal: Moving every two years or so due to military orders was challenging, but as I look back on it, I meet people quickly and have confidence in new situations. Plus, I have lived all over the beautiful United States of America.
Work related: We have had some financial hardships as an independent, interdenominational school. Tuition does not cover the cost of our educational program, so fundraising is necessary. We are currently bursting at the seams due to the increase in Florida’s population! We have launched a Capital Campaign, “Rebuilding the Ancient Ruins of Education,” to preserve the past and protect the future for the next generation. These funds will help us develop and improve our two campuses.
I appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about St. John’s Academy?
A group of like-minded parents put their heads and hearts together and, in 1995, established St. John’s Academy, a Classical Christian school. I was one of those parents! After visiting Classical Christian schools in Idaho and Orlando, we determined that the classical model would dramatically enrich each student’s life and enhance the educational opportunities available in North Florida. I have served the school as the Principal for the past 29 years. My focus continues to be establishing long-term relationships with the community, parents, teachers, students, and the St. John’s Academy family. Teaching classically involves the study of Latin, Logic, and Rhetoric. We utilize special projects to cultivate the art of public speaking and the ability to prove and persuade with events like Mount Olympus Day, the Medieval Festival, Mock Trial, Pi Day Christmas Pageants, and Spring Revues. We believe that familiarity with the stage builds confidence. Additionally, we teach traditional math, cursive writing, and classical literature, all grounded in Christian Orthodoxy.
The mission of the Academy is to send virtuous scholars into the community who can express themselves well in the written and spoken word. We help students develop a great work ethic and learn the value of their cultural heritage and history. St. John’s Academy is proud of its 29-year history, fulfilling the mission of restoring the lost tools of learning, advancing an appreciation of the classics, the heritage of Western Civilization, and the truth of scripture. As we say at the Academy, we are training virtuous scholars who recognize the good, the true, and the beautiful.
Are any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
Dante’s Divine Comedy, The Giver, The Bible, Climbing Parnassus, Norms and Nobility
Contact Info:
- Website: www.stjohnsacademy.com
- Facebook: St. John’s Academy
Image Credits
Hallie Mitchell Photography
