Ralston Academy has become a critical resource for students seeking a fresh start. Designed to support those facing personal and academic challenges, the program has produced numerous success stories, one of which includes Maddie Slonaker.
After graduating in 2024, Slonaker transitioned from student to behavioral support professional at Cascade School’s Emotional Growth Center. Her time volunteering during her senior year gave her the focus and direction she needed, she said, allowing her to now use her experiences to help other students overcome their own challenges.
Slonaker’s journey from a struggling student to a full-time support professional for students in need of extra support is not just a testament to her perseverance, but also to the transformative power of Ralston Academy, a unique education program in the Lebanon School District..
The Origins of Ralston Academy
Founded in 2019, Ralston Academy emerged from the vision of former school board member Nick Brooks. He wanted to create a place for students who needed more than just an online, screen-based learning experience. Brooks envisioned a full-fledged school where students could receive live instruction and hands-on support – a place where they would want to attend, not just where they were forced to go, said Director of Alternative Education Brandon Weist.
Ralston Academy is still part of Lebanon High School, meaning it’s funded through the State School Fund based on enrollment. However, the academy operates with its own distinct mission and structure. The foundation for Ralston Academy was laid by Rachel Cannon, who was hired as the director of alternative education. She spent a year brainstorming with a team of students and teachers, visiting other alternative education programs across the state for inspiration.
In that year, they developed the school’s name, mission and colors. Ralston Academy was named after Jeremiah Ralston, a nod to the community’s history. The support of former Superintendent Bo Yates allowed Ralston Academy to retain the same staff while changing the school’s structure. They implemented a live instruction model with an application-based entry process, ensuring that the students attending were there because they wanted to be, not because they had nowhere else to go.
Overcoming Obstacles and Finding Purpose
For students like Slonaker, Ralston Academy became a beacon of hope.
“I’ve always had a rough life, a lot of trauma,” Slonaker said. “I didn’t have the privilege to focus on school like a lot of kids did. I was a crowd follower. (I) got in trouble all the time.”
When COVID-19 disrupted her high school years, Slonaker said she struggled even more, and her case manager recommended Ralston Academy as a better fit. Initially reluctant to leave Lebanon High School where her friends were, Slonaker was unsure whether Ralston could offer the environment she needed.
“I didn’t want to be like my parents. I wanted to do something more,” she said.
When Slonaker attended her first assembly at Ralston, she felt something shift. The assembly focused on the idea that “everyone has a story,” and it resonated with her. Surrounded by a supportive staff and peers who shared similar experiences, Slonaker decided she wanted to change her path.
“The teachers at Ralston became more than just teachers to me. They were mentors, friends. It was a completely different atmosphere,” she said.
The tight-knit community at Ralston allowed Slonaker to shed bad influences and focus on her education. She began attending Ralston in her junior year, quickly realizing the benefits of the school’s individualized attention and focus on emotional and academic growth.
A Career Begins at Cascade School
While attending Ralston, Slonaker found her passion for working with students who face significant challenges. She began volunteering at Cascade School’s Emotional Growth Center, where she worked with students from all grades who couldn’t thrive in regular classroom settings due to behavioral issues.
“The kids I work with have difficult behaviors, and they just can’t be in regular classes,” Slonaker said. “I feel like if I had been in a program like this when I was their age, I might have done better in school too.”
Her volunteer work soon turned into a full-time job as a behavioral support professional. In this role, Slonaker works one-on-one with students, providing individualized attention and interventions tailored to their specific needs. She helps them navigate their emotional challenges, offering both academic and behavioral support.
Slonaker’s work at Cascade School has solidified her commitment to helping students who, like her, need a second chance. She plans to take a year off from her own schooling before returning to study to be a teacher, with hopes to work in alternative education.
A New Chapter for Ralston Academy
Ralston Academy has undergone changes and fine-tuning since its founding, but the program’s mission remains the same: to provide students with the support and guidance they need to succeed. The academy’s current director of alternative education, who took over after Cannon relocated to New Mexico in 2021, has been fine-tuning the program in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I’ll never forget the phone call I got from Rachel during spring break in 2021,” Weist said. “I had been teaching eighth grade at Lacomb for seven years and I was really considering my options in life. That phone call opened a new chapter for me.”
Since then, Weist has worked with the staff to make Ralston Academy a place of growth – not just academically, but emotionally, socially and in practical life skills as well.
“There’s always room for improvement, but I’m really proud of how this program has evolved,” Weist said. “We have an incredible and caring staff.”
A Success Story for Lebanon
Slonaker’s success is just one of several stories that demonstrate the impact of Ralston Academy. From its beginnings as a vision for a more engaging alternative education program a few years ago, the academy has grown into a lifeline for students who need more support than a traditional high school setting.
For Slonaker, Ralston Academy was more than just a school – it was the starting point for a career where she can make a difference every day and a place where she developed deep connections.
“I’m excited to keep working [with] these kids,” Slonaker said. “The help I never got, I’m helping them so it makes me feel good everyday.”
As Ralston Academy continues to grow and evolve, its role in the Lebanon community remains vital. For students like Slonaker, it represents hope, opportunity and the chance to write a new story.