Academic Year 2018/19 • Volume Two
OnCAMPUS CRANE COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL
A Newsletter for Parents, Grandparents, Friends, and Alumni
Inside
CRANE'S 90TH CELEBRATIONS
Similar to a wedding or bar mitzvah, Crane Country Day School’s 90th Anniversary festivities took many months of planning before the much-awaited weekend finally arrived. The events exceeded expectations and delivered enormous fun, beautiful memories, and good times with old friends. And, like all wonderful celebrations, it was over way too fast! This special edition of the OnCampus revisits Crane’s 90th celebrations to rekindle the memories of the anniversary events on San Leandro Lane and to remind us all of the link between past and current traditions. Crane has always been a special place for me, but the adoration for our school was amplified when I had the opportunity to speak with numerous alumni. Many had not been on campus in over 50 years; yet, recollections of their time spent at Crane were universally joyful and heartfelt—a celebration of long standing friendships and shared experiences.
Decades Party The pinnacle of Crane School’s 90th Anniversary arrived in early May during a two-day affair that was kicked off by the Decades Party on Friday, May 3. Watching the campus transform from school to alumni showplace was swift and well engineered; still, we didn’t really know what to expect. Designed to be a simple family event, the Decades Party provided one of the key ingredients for a successful weekend—bringing people back to the beloved Crane campus. Continued on page 3
2 Visual Arts Cover, 3 Leading the Way 4 90th Year 5 Cronshaws | Concours th Decades Party 6-7 90 th Gala 8-9 90 10 8th Grade Speeches 11 Crane Celebrates 90 Years 12-13 Class of 2015 Alumni 14-17 Class of 2019 Graduation 18 Adiós a Mr. Bixler 19 Adiós a Ms. Perkins 20-22 Literary Contest 23 Sports 24-25 Experiential Education 26-27 Theater Arts Back Cover I Madonnari
Leading the Way CRANE'S 90TH CELEBRATIONS (continued from cover)
55 May 19
far right: Landscapes on display for community show June 2019
Soon into the evening, attendance exceeded expectation—
This minimal connection was disappointing, but it became
the Mulberry Tree Quad was bustling with excitement and
the turning point for Debbie Williams, the individual who
energy. Early on, two young women came up to me and
engineered the 90th celebrations over the last two years.
enthusiastically said, “Hi Mr. Weiss, remember us!” One of
Debbie has been at Crane for over forty years and she has
the two women was carrying two young babies, so it took me
devoted herself to the Crane community. Nearly a decade
a moment to recall my connection with them. These women
ago, Debbie began orchestrating fun events for past parents
graduated my first year at Crane—19 years ago. Interactions
with no official program or fundraising motive. These parent
like this were so heartwarming—so many Crane alumni
events were solely coordinated to provide an opportunity for
children were running around campus, just as their parents
past parents to socialize with one another and with Crane
had done decades ago!
teachers. And it worked—the parties were great fun and
Crane Coming Home
visual arts plein air painting
Unlike the Decades Party, Saturday’s evening event, Crane Coming Home, was an adult-only event. And what a party it
successfully nurtured and rebuilt relationships between all of us who share a common bond—a love for Crane School.
Four Heads of School
was! The giant tent set the mood for the evening, with elegant
For the first time in the school’s history, the 90th celebrations
chandeliers and table settings. We never predicted such a
brought all of Crane School’s living heads of school back to
huge turnout for the event—with 450 attendees, the event far
campus. I am so grateful to Selden Edwards (1979 – 1989),
exceeded our usual spring auction crowd of 250 people.
Cheryl Hamilton (1989 – 1994), and Doris Cottam (1994 –
Everywhere I turned, there were shouts of recognition and hugs between friends. Because the event brought so many familiar people back to campus, it was nearly impossible to shift from socializing to the night’s scheduled events—it was clear people just wanted to have fun!
Keeping Memories and Institutions Alive It is hard keeping graduates connected to their elementary
2000) for attending Crane Coming Home. It was a powerful symbol of unity and connectedness to hold hands together in celebration of Crane’s history. Being a head of the school is an awesome occupation; at the very same time, it can also be a brutal job, even when you are at school you love. The fact that these three individuals wanted to be here, wanted to reconnect with friends and wanted to be a part of this celebration says a lot about the power of the Crane School culture.
school. In fact, fundraising data across our nation shows
I am very proud to be Crane Country Day School’s longest
little variance—adults are most connected to their graduate
tenured head of school—even beating out Arnold Lejeune’s
schools, closely followed by their college or university. High
16-year tenure during the school’s founding days. Standing
schools follow, with elementary schools even further down the
next to three previous heads, I realized that we cover roughly
list.
half of Crane’s 90-year history. What an amazing moment in
The 90th anniversary marks an important milestone in our school’s history, but the success of these events can be linked to Crane’s reframed commitment to reconnecting with community members of the past in meaningful ways. About ten years ago, the school had almost no connection with the
time and it made me think, “What will be the next exciting chapter for this amazing little school?”
Joel Weiss Head of School
past parents. Once a year, past parents would be asked to Alyssa Goss DeLaBruere came for one week in March as an Educator in Residence to instruct both Lower and Upper School students the art of plein air painting.
support the Annual Fund—not surprisingly, we had a poor rate of return.
3
Crane Country Day Does The Math: School Is Starting Its 90th Year
90th Salutes A Tribute to Margery and Peter Cronshaw
90th Day of School
At the Crane Coming Home Gala on
Following is the criteria for the award. Be
May 4, it was announced that there would be an
thinking of who you might recommend for
alumni award for the first time in the history of
this award. The next issue of the On Campus
the school. With all three Cronshaw brothers,
newsletter will have the details of the
one grandson, and their wives in the audience,
nomination process.
the Cronshaw Family Distinguished Alumni Award was unveiled.
CRONSHAW FAMILY DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD
Paul Cronshaw ʼ67 visits the Kindergarten
History: Peter
Headmaster Joel Weiss and mascot Rover on Crane's “real” birthday September 26, 2019
Gama Hot Lunch
and Margery Cronshaw were a memorable teaching force during the 1950s and
1960s. They were both extraordinary teachers who exemplified Crane's belief in experiential and project-based education. Peter and Margery Cronshaw
Purpose: In memory of Peter and Margery Cronshaw, this award acknowledges the distinguished efforts of a Crane alumnus/alumna.
Eligibility: A Crane alumnus or alumna who has made a significant accomplishment in the field of their endeavor to include career, field of interest, community leadership, or volunteer service.
Selection Process:
Using a standard form to ensure uniformity, nominee recommendations are
solicited from the Crane alumni community. The slate of alumni nominees will be considered by the descendants of Peter and Margery Cronshaw who will choose an alumnus or alumna for this annual award. The deadline for nominations is March 1.
Presentation: The award will be presented by the descendants of Peter and Margery Cronshaw at the Brendan ‘04, Paul ‘67, Ian ‘69, and David ‘72 Cronshaw
annual Spring Benefit in May of the same year.
Salute to the Santa Barbara Concours d’Elegance Started in 1976 by a group of Crane board members as a means to raise money to help the school’s faltering budget, the Santa Barbara Concours d’Elegance was Crane’s primary fundraiser for 15 years. This event is attributed with improving the school’s finances as well as providing Crane School the recognition it deserved and advancing the school’s name in the Southern California area. A small group of cars and Concours memorabilia were on display at Crane Coming Home paying homage to the hundreds of volunteers who helped with the event that paved the way for the future of Crane as we know it today.
top right: Sharol Siemens, Sally Giloth, and Gail P. O’Brien all had Concours leadership roles
5
90th Decades Party
Crane Coming Home MAY 4, 2019
Crane Coming Home MAY 4, 2019
90th Decades Party
Above: Joe’s CafÊ Below: Past and current board members gathered at Miramar Beach
90th Gala
Crane Coming Home MAY 5, 2019
Crane Coming Home MAY 5, 2019
90th Gala
Speeches
eighth grade
Topics 2018-2019
The Book
(in order of presentation)
Owen Block
Elections
Lauren Schweitzer
Space
Emmett Mack
Sports Injuries Sourdough Bread
of memorabilia and archival materials, they both came to the
Gigi Geyer
Drone Photography
realization that there was no written history of the school except
Oliver Levine
Surfboard History
for disparate magazine articles written over the years.
Jackson Briggs
Homework
Sontene Sedlin
Entrepreneurship
Audrey Gifford
The History of YouTube
history of Crane with Debbie’s assistance finding and sorting
Ella Robins
Daylight Savings Time
through the archival materials for both content and visual
Jade Silve
Immigration
elements. They started working on a draft of the book, with the
Dave Grohl
idea becoming a reality when underwriting for the entire project
Flyboards (flying “scooters”)
Bach Ryan
Three-Point Shot in Basketball
Hannah Markham
A collaborative effort was born — Dan volunteered to write the
was provided from an anonymous donor.
Pop-up Museums
Fifteen hundred copies of Crane Celebrates 90 Years were
Lulu Marsetti
Drag
Ximena Mejia
Sharks
delivered on April 26, just one week prior to the 90th Anniversary
Isabelle Kim
Minimalism
Babacar Pouye
John Legend
Tatiana Young
Electric Scooters
Aden Meisel
Freestyle Soccer
Elli Westmacott
Elephant Rescue
Tyler Hughes
Virtual Reality
Cosi Arthurs
Rock Music
William Schulhof
e-Trade
Ani Furmanski
Free Diving
Joe McGonigle
Super Bowl Ads
Eve Phillips
Travel
Rowan Dowdall
Queen
Lucas Urizar-García
Kurt Cobain and Nirvana Artificial Intelligence
Kendall Kopeikin
Counterfeit Makeup
Paul Bitters
Service Animals
Nora Collins-Burgard Ryan Slater Jack Wintringham Isabella Ochoa
10
90th anniversary. When they assessed the condition and quantity
Arnav Wadhwa
Quinn Collins-Burgard
CGI History of Volleyball SoundCloud and Music Technology David Dobrik, YouTuber
Ollie Gaggero
Seasons
Paddy Blinderman
Goldfish (the crackers)
Izzy Gaggero
Kombucha
Malia Alzina
Legos and Engineering
Jack Gordon
The Marvel Universe as a Business
Oliver Dworsky
Lab-Grown Meat
Debbie Williams were discussing the preliminary plans for Crane’s
Supreme
Jacqueline Richardson
Each Tuesday and Thursday a student in the upper grades is responsible for preparing and presenting a speech of his own choosing.
When Dan McCaslin was preparing to retire in 2016, he and
Molly Morouse
Erich Goebel
NEW ASSEMBLY FORMAT STARTED IN 1966
Crane Celebrates 90 Years
the book | the artist
celebrations. If you have yet to receive a copy of the book, please stop by campus any time for your free copy.
The Artist Crane is very proud that Whitney Abbott, a locally renowned landscape artist, is also a Crane alumna (1986), a former Crane art teacher (1998-2002), and parent to Gwen ’22, Aggie ’24, and future Crane Coyote Forest. Whitney is a very involved parent volunteer helping in a number of ways. For us, her willingness to paint a landscape for the cover of the book Crane Celebrates 90 Years, which also became the logo for Crane Coming Home, was a true blessing. To create the landscape, Whitney used sketches as reference, some archival photos, and a lot of her own memories. She shared, “Some things change over time, but Crane’s spirit and country aesthetic stay the same, which is why the welcoming arched hallway, the low white fences, healthy landscape, and stately old oaks are included.”
11
alumni news Congratulations Class of 2015 on all your high school accomplishments. Crane wishes you the best of luck in your future endeavors. Come back and visit us!
Kyle Aitcheson
Jack Deardorff
Rovenna Armi
Forest Dempsey
Attended: Laguna Blanca School Attending: University of Washington 4-year Scholar Athlete Award President’s Volunteer Service Award (200+hrs) Volleyball First Team All Tri-Valley
Attended: Cate School Attending: Art Institute of Chicago Captain Girls’ Track & Field
Clare Bilek
Attended: Thacher School Attending: University of Chicago Churchill Debate Society, Head Head Tour Guide National Merit Commended Scholar
Katie Browne
Attended: Cate School Attending: University of St. Andrew’s (Scotland) Captain Varsity Volleyball
Maxx Christal
Attended: Laguna Blanca School Attending: Santa Barbara City College David Elkins Award for Outstanding Character
Ian Cope
Attended: San Marcos High Attending: California Polytechnic University at San Luis Obispo Distinguished Community Service Award J&J Family Foundation Scholarship UFCW Scholarship
Olivia Cunningham
Attended: Bishop Garcia Diego High Attending: University of California at Davis Honor Roll
Tyler Dahneke
Attended: Santa Barbara High Attending: California Polytechnic University at San Luis Obispo AP Scholar / Community Service Star Award CSF Seal Bearer & National Honor Society
Nick Dallow
Attended: Santa Barbara High Attending: University of California at Davis Channel League 1st Team for Baseball Marv Goux Most Inspirational Athlete Award National Honor / California Scholarship Award 12
Class of 2015
Class of 2015 Attended: Cate School Attending: University of Southern California Beach Soule Award Noah W. Hotchkiss Memorial Award Redington Cup Award
Luke Klentner
Attended: Bishop Garcia Diego High Attending: Southern Methodist University Literary Award SMU Merit Scholarship
Ryan Kopeikin
Attended: Santa Barbara High Attending: University of California at Los Angeles AP Scholar with Distinction CSF Seal Bearer & National Honor Society 2019 All-Channel League Girls Lacrosse Team
Attended: Santa Barbara High School Attending: Santa Barbara City College Graduate of SBHS MAD Academy MAD Academy paid intern to Comicraft National Honor Society
Mason Lender
Tessa Denison
Attended: Cate School Attending: University of Portland School of Nursing University of Portland Scholarship
Attended: Santa Barbara High Attending: Yale University Harriet Miller Youth Leader Scholarship Award SBHS Scholar Athlete of the Year Award Tuohy Scholarship Award for Academic Excellence
Alexander Fell
Hector Lujan
Attended: San Marcos AAPLE Academy Attending: Dartmouth College Intl Honor Choir at Carnegie Hall (2019) Kids Helping Kids Director of Advancement State Championships National Council Economic Education
Bella Gavasse
Attended: Laguna Blanca School Attending: Pepperdine University Merit scholarship to Pepperdine Over 3.5 GPA
Stella Haffner
Attended: Laguna Blanca School; graduated 2018 Attending: University of St. Andrew’s (Scotland)
Oliver Heyer
Attended: Laguna Blanca School Attending: Santa Clara University (Leavy School of Business) “Spirit that is Laguna” Award
KiSea Katikka
Attended: Cedar Springs Academy; graduated 2018 Attending: Santa Barbara City College
Attended: Laguna Blanca School Attending: University of San Diego Captain Varsity Soccer Merit Scholarship at USD
Charlie MacNeil
Attended: Santa Barbara High; graduated 2018 Attending: Santa Barbara City College; graduating December 2019
Amanda Moores
Attended: San Marcos High Attending: Chapman University 2018/2019 SBCC/San Marcos New Venture Challenge Chapman Argyros School of Business Dean Scholarship National Honor Society
Ava Morouse
Attended: Laguna Blanca School Attending: Barnard College at Columbia University Creative Writing Award Headmaster's Pin TedX Speaker
Maeve O’Connor
Attended: Laguna Blanca School Attending: University of Miami
Sebastian Richardson
Attended: Cate School Attending: New York University Awarded 9 Varsity Letters Varsity Captain Boys’ Volleyball
Alfie Russell
Attended: Laguna Blanca School Attending: Santa Clara University
Nate Schulhof
Charlie Markham
Attended: Laguna Blanca School Attending: Pepperdine University
Attended: Stevenson School Attending: Babson College Leader of largest Stevenson dormitory Central Coast Championship Winning Golf Team President’s Award
Sofia Martin-Fouroohi
Sam Stegall
Attended: Laguna Blanca School
Attending: University of San Diego AWREY Circle of Lights Award (for SB Strong) Rhode Island School of Design Award USD Trustee Merit Scholar
Jack Moller
Attended: Stevenson School Attending: Santa Clara University Co-editor of Stevenson School newspaper Varsity Tennis
Maddy Moore
Attended: Thacher School Attending: University of Chicago
Attended: Laguna Blanca School Attending: University of Southern California, Marshall School of Business Athlete/Scholar Award 2017-2019 Team Captain-Football and Volleyball Volleyball- All League, First Team Outside Hitter
Ty Trosky
Attended: Laguna Blanca School Attending: Santa Clara University Santa Barbara County Outstanding Youth Leader Outstanding Male Athlete
alumni news class of 2015 reunion
Maddie Walker
Attended: Laguna Blanca School Attending: University of Southern California Outstanding Female Athlete Presidents Bronze Service Award Scholar Athlete Award
Maddie Walker, Olivia Cunningham, Kyle Aitcheson
Jack Whitten
Attended: Bellevue High School (WA) Attending: Northeastern University (Computer Science) AP Scholar with Honors 3.5 GPA and above
Carson Williams
Jack Stein, Charlie Markham, Amanda Moores
Attended: Cate School Attending: Middlebury College Ellis Cup Honored for earning 10 varsity letters Selected as class agent for alumni fundraising
Regan Williams
Attended: Green School Bali Attending: The New School in NYC DONA Trained Doula 2019 Founder Menstruation Mission UN Climate Change Conference Youth Panel Speaker 2018
Bob Ingersoll, Maxx Christal
Tyler Dahneke, Pat Bixler, Ian Cope (l-r) Nick Dallow, Maddie Walker, Kyle Aitcheson, Olivia Cunningham, Jack Stein, Maddy Moore, Charlie Markham, Sofia Martn-Fouroohi, Amanda Moores, Maxx Christal, Tyler Dahneke, Ian Cope
Jack Stein
Attended: Laguna Blanca School Attending: Brown University Cum laude society English Award Outstanding Editor Award
Spencer Turner
Attended: Laguna Blanca School Attending: Arizona State University 13
CRANE COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL CLASS OF 2019
The Crane faculty and staff are very proud of the accomplishments of the Eighth Grade class of 2019 and wish them the best of luck in their high school adventures.
Carpinteria High School
Epsicopal School (Virginia)
San Marcos High School
Erich Goebel Ximena Mejia Jade Silva Lucas Urizar-Garcia
Hannah Markham
Quinn Collins-Burgard Jack Gordon Tyler Hughes (AAPLE) Lauren Schweitzer (AAPLE)
Cate School Oliver Dworsky Gigi Geyer Emmett Mack Babacar Pouye Tatiana Young front row Ani Furmanski Jackie Richardson* Jackson Briggs Ollie Gaggero Paddy Blinderman Ximena Mejia Oliver Levine Tatiana Young* Aden Meisel* Malia Alzina Isabella Ochoa William Schulhof Eve Phillips
* K-8 Crane "Lifer"
All names in order from left to right
middle row Bach Ryan Hannah Markham* Joe McGonigle Jade Silva Tyler Hughes* Izzy Gaggero Arnav Wadhwa Elli Westmacott Owen Block Sontene Sedlin Jack Wintringham Audrey Gifford Lulu Marsetti Isabelle Kim
back row Gigi Geyer Quinn Collins-Burgard Jack Gordon* Ella Robins Babacar Pouye Ryan Slater Kendall Kopeikin* Emmett Mack Cosi Arthurs* Paul Bitters Lauren Schweitzer Erich Goebel Nora Collins-Burgard Rowan Dowdall Molly Morouse Oliver Dworsky Not pictured: Lucas Urizar-Garcia
Laguna Blanca School Aden Meisel Molly Morouse Jacqueline Richardson William Schulhof Elli Westmacott Lakewood College School (Canada)
Community School (Idaho)
Isabelle Kim
Izzy Gaggero Ollie Gaggero
Nichols School (Buffalo)
Dos Pueblos High School Isabella Ochoa Eve Phillips Ella Robins (DPEA) Arnav Wadhwa (DPEA) Jack Wintringham
Owen Block Redwood High School (San Francisco) Bach Ryan
Santa Barbara High School Malia Alzina Cosi Arthurs Paul Bitters Paddy Blinderman Jackson Briggs Rowan Dowell (MAD) Audrey Gifford Kendall Kopeikin Oliver Levine (MAD) Lulu Marsetti Sontene Sedlin (MAD) Ryan Slater The Thacher School Joe McGonigle Ventura High School Ani Furmanski
Awards
Class of 2019
Headmaster’s Prize
Katharine Faletti Performing Arts Cup
description Awarded to the student who, through leadership,
description Given in memory of Katharine Faletti for
participation, and consideration of others, has served best as an example for us all
recipient Lauren Schweitzer Academic Achievement Awards
outstanding contribution in the performing arts
Cosi Arthurs Isabelle Kim Lulu Marsetti recipient
description Given to eighth graders with the highest GPA
Lejeune Teaching Fellowship
recipient Cosi Arthurs
description An annual award for an inspirational teacher
Gigi Geyer Erich Goebel Tyler Hughes Isabelle Kim Joe McGonigle Aden Meisel
Art Cup
Molly Morouse Bach Ryan Lauren Schweitzer Ryan Slater Arnav Wadhwa Tatiana Young
description Given for exellence in studio art or design that consistently highlights original thought and creativity recipient
Lauren Schweitzer
Amiability Award description Awarded to the student who showed the greatest cooperation with congeniality toward all
recipient Tyler Hughes
Dan McCaslin History Cup description Given in honor of retired teacher Dan McCaslin to the student that demonstrates outstanding effort, achievement, curiosity, and consistent participation in the study and discussion of history
recipient
Bach Ryan
David Echols Math Cup description Given in honor of former Crane teacher David Echols to the student with outstanding performance in mathematics
recipient
Bach Ryan Arnav Wadhwa
Design & Engineering Award description Given to recognize the student whose designs have exhibited social consciousness, outstanding skill in fabrication, and technical innovation
recipient
Izzy Gaggero
Julia Brown English Cup description Given in honor of former English teacher Julia Brown to the student who has demonstrated the highest achievement and greatest love of learning English
recipient
Lauren Schweitzer
recipient
Anne Fierberg
Upper School History Teacher
Lejeune Language Award (Spanish Cup)
Awards
Class of 2019 Award Recipients (left to right)
Cosi Arthurs Academic Achievement Award Katharine Faletti Performing Arts Award Paul Bitters Sheila Davidson Cup Owen Block Library Award Quinn Collins-Burgard Talia S. Klein Award Tech Award Izzy Gaggero Design & Engineering Award Gigi Geyer Academic Achievement Award Sports Cup
Audrey Gifford Tech Award Eric Goebel Academic Achievement Award Tyler Hughes Academic Achievement Award Amiability Award Isabelle Kim Academic Achievement Award Katharine Faletti Performing Arts Award Kendall Kopeikin Tech Award Writing Cup Oliver Levine Music Cup Lulu Marsetti Katharine Faletti Performing Arts Award
Joe McGonigle Academic Achievement Award Aden Meisel Academic Achievement Award Molly Morouse Academic Achievement Award Bach Ryan Academic Achievement Award Dan McCaslin History Cup David Echols Math Cup Sports Cup Lauren Schweitzer Academic Achievement Award Art Cup Headmaster’s Prize Julia Brown English Cup
Ryan Slater Academic Achievement Award Arnav Wadhwa Academic Achievement Award David Echols Math Cup Rose Bowl Science Cup Tatiana Young Academic Achievement Award Lejeune Language Award Nagle Memorial Award Tower Improvement Award Anne Fierberg Lejeune Teaching Fellowship
description Given in memory of founding Head of School Arnold Lejeune for outstanding achievement, effort, and enthusiasm in the study of the Spanish language and culture recipient
Tatiana Young
Library Award description Given to the student who shows a voracious appetite for books and reading, who uses the library resources well, and is an avid participant in the summer reading program
recipient
Owen Block
Music Cup description Awarded for diligent study and accomplishment in the realm of music
recipient
Oliver Levine
Nagle Memorial Award description Awarded in memory of Frank Nagle, to the student who showed outstanding enthusiasm in community service recipient
Tatiana Young
Rose Bowl description Given in honor of former Crane teacher Cathy Rose, to an unmistakably unconventional eighth grader
recipient
Arnav Wadhwa
Science Cup
Sports Cup
Tech Award
Writing Award
description Awarded for outstanding
description Given to the student who has
description Given to a student who has demonstrated significant interest in continual excellence in writing
description Awarded to the student who most closely embodies, through outstanding effort and achievement, the popular sentiment at Crane that “science is everywhere”
performance and participation in athletics
recipient Arnav Wadhwa
Talia S. Klein Award
Sheila Davidson Cup
description Given to the student who, in the
description Given in honor of former Crane Coach Sheila Davidson, to the athlete who best exemplifies commitment, teamwork, passion, and sportsmanship
recipient
Paul Bitters
Congratulations Graduates
Gigi Geyer Bach Ryan recipient
opinion of the faculty, has been an unassuming force for good
recipient
excelled in the mastery of all electronic systems used in the theater
recipient
Quinn Collins-Burgard Audrey Gifford Kendall Kopeikin
recipient
Tower Improvement Award description Awarded to the student who showed
Kendall Kopeikin
greatest academic improvement through effort and
Quinn Collins-Burgard application
recipient
Tatiana Young
Award Recipients!
17
Adiós a Mr. Bixler
Bix is a Crane legend. His success may partly rest on his magic – that winning blend of folksy Oklahoman, intellectual science guy, devout sports fan, lover of literature and crossword puzzles, gourmet appreciator of bacon chili cheese everything – but a larger part of his success rests on his sympathy for adolescent psychology. In other words, not only does Bix like kids, he really gets them. Several students have recently said to me, “You’ll never replace Bix.” They’re absolutely right; we won’t. And we’ll also never forget him, because for 36 years he’s been a daily reminder of what great teachers are all about – lifting kids up by embracing and appreciating who they are. — Peggy Smith, Head of Upper School
briefly tell how you ended up at Crane Upon finishing a master’s degree from Humbolt State, I was hired at the Catalina Island Marine Institute (CIMI), a teaching stint that
much of their own family experiences , Ultimately we come to love our students, not like a son or daughter, but certainly with a special
Adiós a Ms. Perkins
Anne can do just about anything. Whether it is roping a cow, hosting a sit-down dinner party for fifty, or turning a classroom into a pasta factory, somehow she makes it all happen. Her creative thinking and willingness to try anything has amazed us and touched us in so many, many ways. — Gayne Sandell, Head of Lower School
Sunrise in Bahia de los Angeles on the Sea of Cortez. The sky blazing
briefly tell how you ended up at Crane
red, orange and yellow, the eighth graders roll out of their cots in
In 1980, Elliott entered kindergarten, Marcia Neville and Gail O’Brien
this little village with intermittent electricity and no running water.
talked me into hosting the Concours Judges Dinner a few weeks later,
They have breakfast, gather their snorkeling gear, and load into
and we were off to the races! In 1989 Cheryl Hamilton hired me as
pangas for another magical day discovering the beauty of this remote
if you had to choose just one favorite Crane memory to share what would it be?
First Grade Assistant.
location - swimming with whale sharks, diving amongst colorful fish
Impossible to choose a single event. Crane has always been a place
what is the one thing you are most proud of accomplishing and/or bringing to Crane?
reverence that is in many ways familial. Look at assembly, itʼs actual a jumbo sized family meal table (without the mashed potatoes, just the dialog and traditions.
for me with a steady stream of unpredictable moments of beautiful joy…sort of this unpredictable yet predicable awesome life moment. Love and beauty based, sweet human interactions and learning, from the youngest to the oldest.
In 1980, Crane was a vigorous and joyful place. There already existed a cohesive, committed parent body. They had created the Concours d’Elegance car show to literally save the school, which was struggling financially. This fall event necessitated the participation of every
gave me invaluable experience working with kids in the field and
what is your favorite place on campus and why?
single person at Crane, but there was no parent organization to
sea, and it was here I discovered that I had a nack for teaching and
Many, but one has been at about 5:00 in the fall months after soccer
continue supporting the school the rest of the year. Hoping for
working with young people. By sheer luck, I was working at CIMI
practice looking north from the fields – sweaty kids, hearty laughter,
something to go beyond the typical PTA of the time, if we created
when the Crane students came for Trip Week. I was intrigued by the
usually exhausted, walking back up to campus and the parking lot,
something called “Parents for Crane” that included everyone, and had
teachers and especially the kids. I inquired about the school, met
with the beautiful vermillion light on the front foothills, as sunshine
opportunities for all to be involved, it would reflect the family culture
Selden [Edwards}…this was in the early 1980s — the rest, as they say,
wanes and you know it’s been a terrific day, one you hope everybody
that already existed at Crane. I set it up, enlisted friends to help with
is history.
gets to have.
all the crazy projects I dreamed up, and it has continued to thrive!
what is the one thing you are most proud of accomplishing and/or bringing to Crane? I think the one program I’ll remain most proud of is being involved with (leading) the Baja trip. We took kids down there for 25 years, gave them an unforgettable natural cultural experience, and most importantly, brought them all home each year safely.
if you had to choose just one favorite Crane memory to share what would it be?
� � � After 36 years of teaching at Crane School, I am (gulp) retiring. At the end of his long and lofty discourse, Merlin said to the young and future King Arthur, “Do you think you have learned anything?” To which Arthur replied, “I have learned and been happy.”
What has it meant to have your family as part of the Crane Community? I have spent 39 years at Crane, well more than half of my life! I have poured my heart and soul into this wonderful school, and it has practically become part of my DNA. I loved being a part of what
and invertebrates, fishing for dinner. The ospreys, boobies, gulls, pelicans and the occasional frigate bird soar overhead, and hundreds of dolphins escort us back to the field station. The experience puts everyone well outside their comfort zone, stretches their limits and changes their world view as they live in a world without television, telephones, flushing toilets or showers, hang out with the local kids and sleep under the stars. They return to Crane changed in an expansive and fundamental way.
What is your hope for Crane going forward? E.M. Forster said “Know your ancestors and let them help you.” I hope that Crane will not forget its history, then all will be fine. The joyful, creative, nurturing spirit that has been a fundamental part of Crane since the beginning is important to preserve. The dedicated, talented teachers create an atmosphere where learning is fun, where kids and adults can express their passions. The bond between parents and teachers and students is critical. Our caring community is sustained by our daily assembly, which has always been a part of Crane. May it never be compromised! On my desk is a quote from Cheryl Hamilton,
Cathy Rose called the “benevolent chaos” of Crane. Almost without
as she reflected on change:
exception my closest friends are my Crane friends, and this is true for
“How can we preserve all the wonderful aspects of Crane School in the
What has it meant to have your family as part of the Crane Community?
Like Arthur, I too have learned and been happy in a modern-day
my three children as well. Being a part of the lives of young people as
midst of a world that is constantly changing? The answer seems to
Crane is just a big extended family, the teachers who persist and
Camelot we call Crane.
they grow has been an honor. I have had the privilege of teaching over
lie in our willingness to consistently attend to the preservation of our
520 students, and as we all know this next generation is the hope of our
community as well as our willingness to meet the new challenges we face.”
thrive at Crane, whether they realize it or not, bring into life so
18
world! “A teacher affects eternity, he never knows where his influence stops.” - Henry Brooks Adams
And keep everyone returning to Crane as often as possible!
19
Celebration of Words
literary contest If you Stay Still Long Enough If you stay still long enough Your thin Nike shorts will start to feel like denim And you might feel the way your freckles multiply on your growing skin If you stay still long enough You will notice the way the fabric Of a sunbeam Catches the glint Of a flag at half mast
(left-right) Ruby Campbell, Cosi Arthurs, Eve Phillips, Molly Morouse, Hiro Phillips, Lauren Schweitzer
Dear Mr. Bixler Dear Mr. Bixler, The earth is flat. I sound crazy - believe me. I know, But sometimes you must let reality go. I may not be Einstein, but I know this is true. It’s hard to explain, but I’ll try it for you. How can I stand on the top of my toes Or pick the sweet stem of a newly grown rose? How can I jump and not fall into space Or run “round” the world and stay in one place? Why does a building not crack and or fall And really, can Newton just explain it all? Please, someone tell me how I’m upside down
You might notice the way the mountain moves So unhurriedly You might realize How incredible it is That the seamless woodwork of the trees Dies
Mandala Pizza. After we left that glorious paradise, my brother and I would beg every night for the best pizza we had ever consumed. § There were so many cactuses on Grandpops’ property. There were small in size but enormous in number. We had the brilliant idea to shovel the cactus that had creeped onto the pathways. And that day, I got a lot of use out of the tweezers in the first aid kit. The next time I have to deal with cactus, I’ll wear thicker gloves. § While my brother and I took a break from cleaning and sorting, we would always go to the creek. We
So therefore I say, we stand on a disc Because if we didn’t - we’d be in an abyss. An abyss full of stars and asteroids that split And Elon Musk in a spaceship’s cockpit. A hole filled with people both dazed and confused And one group of flat-earthers who just seem amused. So as I am writing this here in my bed, And as I express all these thoughts in my head, I hope that you too can question some science And think about joining the Flat Earth Alliance.
Last summer, I went to Colorado where my grandfather lived and called home for twenty-seven years. We were supposed to clean up his place on Willow Creek Way, but there was also a memorial gathering for him, and we wanted to experience his town and the nature he was surrounded by. § Being so tiny, there weren’t that many restaurants or places to eat in town. There was a place called Grammy’s Kitchen which was never open at the right time for us. A Mexican restaurant down the street named Taco Love that was pretty tasty. There were rumours the Indian place that was going out of business because their customers were violently ill after eating their curried delights. There was a brewery that had decent food, but, man, their ketchup was horrible. As a matter of fact, there is no good ketchup in this town and not
second place poetry
a Heinz bottle in sight. And finally the Elephant Cloud Market was a
by Molly Morouse 8th grade
warned us about the Indian place. But no restaurant compared to
grocery store with strictly organic foods and a bag boy who thankfully
would be. He thought his prosecution would be his downfall,
than anyone.
I still can’t believe that’s the warmest it gets all year. When I would put my feet in for more than 10 seconds, they would be numb. When
His determination to walk was not deterred by the
I would put my face in the water, the experience was quite different.
vastness of the empty domain he was traveling through.
I would hold back my hair, close my eyes, and gently dip my face into
He knew where he wanted to go without really knowing.
the water. When I was underneath the water, it was quiet and peace-
Knowledge was a privilege he did not have. As he walked,
ful. My mind would become completely blank and clear. I would plunge my face in the water whenever I could. My mom always tells me I’m a dolphin because I love water. § I brought my book of Ella Enchanted, do at the creek like balancing on a collapsed tree or getting lost by exploring so far up or down the creek, I would read my book because it was so good and the temptation was too strong. And keep in mind, I am not a huge reader at all. But one night, I was so entangled in the story, I ‘n’ cheese for the first time by myself. Could have been better. § The day of the memorial was emotional. Many tears (including mine) were shed and stories of my grandfather were told. During the gathering, we all were given a piece of duct tape to place on our shirts because Grandpops would always use duct tape on everything that needed to be fixed including the steering wheel of his Subaru, the door handle of his Subaru, the car seat of his Subaru, and his flip flops. § Once everyone bored, so they suggested we go on a walk. It was nice to have a breath
everyone there knew him as “Glider.” I know him as Grandpops.
It was quieter there. Certainly quieter than he thought it
was twenty years ago. Power corrupts. He knew that better
started talking and socializing, our mom and dad noticed us getting
My arms should be dangling if I’m overturned.
dles or pine cones. There was no in between. § The creek was so cold.
My hair should be swinging - my face should be flushed.
I wouldn’t even call it a city where he lived. It’s such a small town and
heartbeat. He had his head down.
pine cones covering the ground. We were either stepping on pine nee-
Yet how I am standing with feet on the ground?
My songs should be muttered - my eyes should be blurred.
traveling with an empty mind and with no sound but his
Twenty years ago he was a man of power, a hero of sorts. That
stayed up until three o'clock in the morning finishing it. § I made mac’
Willow Creek Way
Even though he had no place to go, he kept on going,
but somehow he knew that his influence had not dwindled.
If you stay still long enough You might realize That the abstract substance of power Resides in peace.
My tears should fall backwards - my days should be rushed.
to Willow Creek. On the walk, there was a pine tree with hundreds of
which is the book I read every summer. Even though there was lots to
by Ruby Campbell 6th grade
Unknown Destination
timed it once, and I think it was seven minutes from Grandpop’s home
You might notice The way the horizon dissolves into space
first place poetry
Celebration of Words
literary contest
and a break from all of the sadness. My brother and I walked along the road where it lightly rained, like the clouds had memories of Grandpops, too. § The woman who was hosting the celebration led us to an-
he looked down at his strong, calloused hands. He turned his left hand over and saw a large scar. A jolt of pain hit him sharply in the depths of where he knew his partly forgotten past was hidden. He tried to ignore it and keep walking.
He found peace in the quiet of his own words. Speaking
to himself about the past he never really understood; the past he never cared for. He didn’t like it, but at the time, he thought it was necessary.
Everything changed after his father passed away. He was
willing to do everything to right others’ wrongs. Jill, Harry, Margaret, Peter… they all forgot what he stood for; he did too. It took him a while to understand what he was really doing. Once he did, it was too late.
He heard a faint ticking behind him. He turned around
to see the same empty space he was walking on; there was nothing there. He laughed silently. Of course they weren’t there. How could they be? He kept on walking with his head
other creek the previous day, so we headed there. We hopped across the
down to his unknown destination, his feet sinking into the
brook and followed a path. We reached a pool where my brother went
white soil.
in midway while I sat on a nearby rock to think. Then he got out and dried off. And when we were going back, I stopped at an aspen tree. I
He looked up from his feet packed with dirt to see
remembered the time when I was walking next to Grandpops in a yel-
something other than empty space. It was green, something
low aspen forest; he described how their leaves pass through three dif-
he hadn’t seen in a long time. He experienced the forgotten
ferent shades as the seasons change. So I took the duct tape off my shirt
sensation of breathing in fresh, clean air. He looked around,
and pressed it onto the aspen. And before we went back to the memo-
expecting to see it, but it was nowhere in his line of sight. He
rial, we stopped at another pool and my brother held back my hair as
had arrived, yet he was still entirely lost.
I dunked my face into the cool water. § I often think of Willow Creek Way and the indescribable sense of peace it brought me I didn’t know was possible. I cannot wait to return.
second place prose by Cosi Arthurs 8th grade
first place prose by Hiro Phillips 6th grade
21
Celebration of Words
Athletics
literary contest In 1959 the Crane Upper School history and English programs welcomed Miss Julia Brown who created the “Robert Frost Poetry Contest” with outside judges and a special prize — this is the ancestor of today’s literary contest.” Excerpt from Crane Celebrates 90 Years
Caffeine
The Ladybug
I consume caffeine every. Single. Morning. If I go one day without it, my head will explode and my body will collapse into a sad, moping heap. And I don’t mean figuratively explode: I’m pretty sure it will literally erupt into flaming hot, caffeine-less, pieces. Now, as you would expect, I don’t want to risk the wellbeing of myself and those around me, so I will continue to consume this wonderfully addictive substance until my heart beats its last thump and my lungs gulp their last sigh. In fact, I will probably be holding a cup of coffee on my deathbed, silently reminiscing about the bitter taste of caffeine as I expire.
One. More. Step. As she lifts her one of her delicate feet up in front of her, It slips on the green, stringy surface. The morning dew is not helping her climb, But her foot scrambles up to find another foothold. One. More. Step. She is almost there. She can feel it. Her wings underneath their spotted cape are thrumming with excitement, But still a little more to go. She desperately clings to the slippery surface as a gale bursts through the forests around her And knocks her back and forth on the blade. When the blade stops moving, she carries onward with a burst of energy, To reach the yellowing tip of the blade of grass. As her wings burst from under their protective shell, another small force of wind takes her up above the green forest below her. Already, she can see the endless expanse of green spreading out below her, Even though she is still not far from the ground. And the wind carries her off, another adventure waiting somewhere in the trees, far beyond where I am sitting, As I watch the ladybug become a speck in the sky.
There are so many forms of caffeine. From the hundreds of types of tea, to the many different roasts of coffee, each one just as delightfully mouthwatering as the last. Did you know caffeine is in chocolate? Yeah, caffeine is that good. It’s so good, it can be found in one of the most, if not the most, delicious substances in the world. Also, caffeine can actually be good for you. Yeah, you heard me, good for you. It can act as an antioxidant and help you live longer! So if you were thinking about going on that 24-hour caffeine cleanse, think again! Because it just might save your life. Not to mention the insane headaches you’d get from cutting back the several cups of coffee you have each day. Not that I have that much coffee… I swear I’m not addicted. I think.
third place prose by Eve Phillips 8th grade
third place poetry by Lauren Schweitzer 8th grade
Upper School Boys' Volleyball
Upper School Girls' Basketball
7th & 8th Coed Flag Football
Lower School Track Meet
5th & 6th Coed Flag Football
Experiential Education
all grades
all grades
Experiential Education
land 1939 − Alice in Wonder
1928 − Kitty and Bill Crane
UPPER SCHOOL PRESENTS
1950s ant in early ge a P s a m st Chri
kindergarten | pass it on
second grade | BREMEN TOWN JAM
Non Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Santa Barbara, CA Permit No. 430
CRANE COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL 1795 San Leandro Lane Santa Barbara, CA 93108 www.craneschool.org
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
OnCAMPUS
Jill Levinson President Winifred Lloyds Lender Vice President Robin Kopeikin Treasurer Nancy Sheldon Secretary
Academic Year 2018/19 • Volume Two
Jen Abed Tamar Adegbile Rick Banks ʼ62 Beth Collins Jim Copus ’92 Andrea DeRosso Will Freeland ’00 Cyndee Howard Hector Lujan Bino Marsetti Mike McCarthy Hikaru Phillips Allan Rogers Missy Ryan Nancy Shobe Erin Eberhardt Spence Christina Stoney Anupama Vaid Melissa White
A Newsletter for Parents, Grandparents, Friends, and Alumni CRANE COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL
I Madonnari 2019
Honorary Lifetime Trustee Scott C. Brittingham EDITOR Debbie Williams DESIGN & PRODUCTION Lorie Bacon SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHER Teresa Pietsch COPY EDITOR Elizabeth Keadle