From Mr. Ralph Janikowsky, Westminster Head of School
I am delighted to announce that Westminster Academy has hired Amanda Sparks as the new Head of Upper School for the 2016-17 school year. In the Lord’s perfect timing, Amanda signed a contract this week and is in the process of relocating to Memphis in order to be ready to start the school year. Throughout the process of interviews, visits, and discussions, both the administration and school board were impressed with Amanda’s energy, enthusiasm, drive, and commitment to classical Christian education.
Amanda is married to Jonathan and they have 4 children, Harris (a rising 8th grader), Lily (a rising 5th grader), Wren (a rising 2nd grader), and Sullivan (2 yrs old). Amanda graduated from Meredith College in Raleigh, NC and majored in mathematics. She is currently working on an MBA at UNC-Chapel Hill, while also working as an executive at Food Lion where she manages the buying of all advertising space (TV, Radio, Digital). Jonathan has a degree in English from NC State and was in the Navy as a submariner for almost 10 years.
Importantly, Amanda possesses extensive educational experience. She taught middle and high school mathematics in NC, SC, and VA. During this time, Amanda and Jonathan felt called to work with another couple to organize and start a classical Christian school, Haw River Christian Academy, in Pittsboro, NC. Amanda served as the school’s principal for the first two years until her family moved to Salisbury, NC. For the past 4 years in Salisbury, she served on the school board of North Hills Christian School as the chair of the curriculum committee. In this role she was responsible for transitioning North Hills Christian School to a classical curriculum while also coaching teachers in classical methodologies.
With her children growing older, Amanda felt called to invest in an established classical Christian school and reformed community. Education is Amanda’s first love and as an experienced manager, her gifts are closely aligned with the Head of Upper School position. She is extremely excited about serving the Lord at Westminster Academy and providing her children a classical Christian education here in Memphis.
Please join me in praying for Amanda and her family as they transition to Memphis, and also in welcoming them to Westminster Academy.
Why Westminster 