"We've Always Been Warriors" Linda Johnson’s Lasting Legacy

By Bekah Johnson, Advancement and Alumni Relations

In August of 1979 while LRCA (then Walnut Valley Christian Academy) was entering only its third year as a school, Linda Johnson was arriving on campus as a brand-new Warrior faculty member. Now, after 41 years of service and hundreds of students’ lives touched, Linda is hanging up her teacher and librarian hats and taking some well-deserved time for herself. We asked her to reflect on her many experiences over the years.

BJ: What led you to become a teacher?

LJ: Can you think of any other job where you get to spend every day learning new things with a group of people you know and love? Is there another profession where the best questions drive direction, and success is measured in the changed lives of children? Is there a career with a new start every year, where boredom is unheard of, and no two days are ever alike? I’ve been a learner, a friend, a member of a school family, a mover of multitudes of boxes, shelves, and furniture, and an honored participant in the lives of some outstanding educators.

BJ: What has been the most rewarding part of your job?

LJ: Where to start? Watching the face of a student, when the eyes widen, and the smile spreads, that Light Bulb Moment when learning is almost visible, has to be the best thing. Understanding something that, a moment before, was not known is like magic. Helping children

BJ: Describe the different roles you’ve had at LRCA.

LJ: Officially, I’ve been a teacher in grades one, two, and three. I have also been curriculum coordinator and then a librarian. Unofficially

to read well, to love good stories, to know the beauty and power of words is deeply gratifying. Building lasting relationships with students and parents is joy. Working alongside so many talented people, learning from them, and doing life with them is food for the mind and spirit. Meeting my best friends and lifetime sisters? Priceless.

WVCA teachers Debbie Norman, Rachelle Petty Hankins, Ann Owen Chami, Linda Johnson, Linda Neaves

BJ: You have witnessed firsthand the incredible growth of the school from the early days of WVCA to the present. Describe what that journey has been like.

LJ: Like most long journeys, it has been at times exciting, surprising, joyful, tiring, difficult, and rewarding. God has blessed our school with visionary leaders from 1977 through today. I think of Pastor Bud Hart and his wife, Carolyn, whose vision and hard work led to the 1977-78 beginning of WVCA at the Bible Church of Little Rock. I joined the faculty in August 1979, along with Herb Lyon who became the administrator/headmaster. Students who were there at that time still remember Mr. Lyon’s stories from chapel and the musical programs we did. We had many volunteers, small budgets, hard work, and tons of fun. Roger Yancey came on board as we grew and urged us onward and upward. God provided the land and we stood together and prayed for the future of the school. Boyd Chitwood led us in growth and expansion of facilities and called us to excellence in the pursuit of truth from a Christcentered worldview. He handed out four diplomas at the first graduation ceremony, and we grew. Many of us will remember the Dome, and the sound of hard rain on its roof. Now Dr. Gary Arnold continues to lead and serve our school well. It’s amazing to drive onto campus and see how God has provided. Our leaders have always said, “It’s God’s school.” Through the years He has provided the hard-working staff needed for the mission. Every person served well in the positions to which they were called. We’ve always been Warriors.

BJ: Fondest memories?

LJ: Memories abound: First days of school come to mind, especially the one when, early in the morning, two raccoons dug through the ceiling of my classroom and little black paws were scooping the air above students’ heads. I told the class we were having a Raccoon Drill, so we lined up and left in an orderly fashion, and watched as our brave maintenance man removed the hissing critters and took them away in cages. I enjoyed making cookies with my classes for Mother’s Day Tea, and working with Ann Owen [Chami] in Building A. I will always remember the Christmas programs with “sheep” crawling down the aisle and “shepherds” following. There are so many songs and Bible verses that play in my mind from past years. I have learned much from so many dedicated teachers and staff. I’m thankful for them.

BJ: What has it meant to you to have your grandchildren attend LRCA?

LJ: What a joyful blessing! We have always hoped for the day when our children’s children could come to this school. It’s wonderful to see second generations of Warriors throughout the school.

BJ: What do you look forward to most in your retirement?

LJ: That’s unknown territory! I hope it involves more time outside, time with friends, and learning.

Linda with a group of students after a spelling bee in 1986