Ralph Janes, Principal

In grade 4, I attended my first Adventist school—Toronto Junior Academy (now Crawford Academy). Mr. Janes was my principal for grades 4-10. By the time I finished college at Andrews University, Mr. Janes had moved to Alberta and invited me to have the Week of Prayer at Canadian Union College (now Burman University). I was barely 21 years old and had never given that many sermons (15) in my life, let alone all in one week, but he had confidence that I could inspire his students to walk with Jesus. When Mr. Janes introduced me the opening night he said that he remembered that I was from the class that loved to “party.” That got the attention of the students. Then he went on to say that our class had a “surprise” party for every teachers’ birthday (during class hours). And that I was part of the class that chose to begin the New Year on our knees.

When we in grade 9 of our 10-grade school, Mr. Janes gave our class the little pep talk about being in the “upper grades” now, and the responsibility that came with that role for us to be leaders/spiritual leaders. He gave us something to live up to. I believe we rose to his challenge and belief in us.