Ralph Perrino

Ralph and his sons, Raphael and Pietro, volunteered at the planetarium for twenty years. Both boys were in first grade when they were exposed to this wonderful facility. Ralph's approach was simple. Expose his sons to science and math at an early age in a casual, enjoyable, stimulating way. Then, when they were faced with science and math in school, it would be far less intimidating and threatening. It worked! Raphael minored in astronomy in college, is an avid astronomy enthusiast, and was an integral force behind the successful effort to save the planetarium. Pietro completes a Bachelors Degree in Physics and Mathematics this semester at The University of Mary Washington. In his spare time, Ralph teaches Sociology (yes, you heard that correctly) at Northern Virginia Community College but has always looked to the heavens in wonder. He and his wife, Denise, have also owned and operated Northern Virginia Tutoring Service for more than nineteen years.