On Campus: Volume 2, 2022/2023

Academic Year 2022/23 • Volume Two CRANE COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL

CAMPUS

A Newsletter for Families, Grandparents, Alumni, and Friends

The funds for the new Big Toy play structure were raised at last year’s Spring Benefit - Crane Celebrates. However, between shipping and delivery delays, and the rainy Santa Barbara winter, installment didn’t begin until November 7 and the children were finally allowed to climb and swing on the Big Toy on April 3. It was definitely a lesson in patience and perseverance, but students were in agreement that it was well worth the wait!

THE

IS BACK!

visu al arts

After learning about the proportions of the face, FIRST GRADE artists drew their self-portraits from direct observation and then traced multiple copies. Inspired by Andy Warhol, artists explored color relationships while completing this fun series.

The SEVENTH GRADE students finished their study of the art studio practice by creating a map of a fantasy location. They antiquated their design by applying a coffee wash and then learned about different painting techniques. They finally completed their drawing by using sharpi e markers.

“Little School Big Plans” was a phrase coined a few years ago that still rings true. At any given moment, there are many wonderful and exciting activities happening at Crane. From assembly presentations to poetry culminations to track meets, the Crane pace has become legendary (or infamous!) given the nearconstant flurry of events on our campus. That said, it wasn’t long ago that this long-standing pattern changed in the face of Covid, and we had to hit pause on numerous fun and meaningful happenings that make Crane, Crane. While we certainly made the best of the hand we were dealt, it has taken time to rebuild our school’s unique collection of annual milestones that create Crane’s treasured sense of community.

This year, not only did we reconstruct, but we also amplified successful events of years past and further strengthened our ties to one another. I am immensely proud of what was achieved thanks to the efforts of many committed Staffulty members and our remarkable extended community.

After a few weeks of classes, the Upper Schoolers were off on Trip Week — 6th graders to Catalina, 7th graders to Yosemite, and 8th graders to the south on a Civil Rights tour. For the first time in a few years, we celebrated the fall season with the Crane Country Fair, our signature event for the broader community, a definite high point for decades that was on hold during the pandemic. It was joyous to see cars parked the full length of San Leandro Lane, and a packed campus with families thoroughly enjoying themselves while participating in the abundance of exciting activities.

This was followed by field trips, the Halloween Parade, Winter Sing, and the Staffulty Holiday Party. Our campus was bustling with customary fall events!

March saw the return of both the All-School Art Show and Lower School Spring Study Week, two long-standing Crane traditions. The Art Show, which this year also included a bake sale and musical talent, was pure delight – the setup was beautiful, thanks to our art teachers’ vision implemented by hard-working parent helpers, and the collection on display was impressive, showing the wide range of materials used in our program. Families reveled

in the opportunity to relax and mingle with each other while being treated to their children’s performances.

Spring Study Week introduced the powerful theme of “The Ripple Effect,” illustrating our potential impact on the world around us. Students learned that what we do with others multiplies, like cascading rings in a pond, and it became a week of magical connections and experiences. I had the opportunity to co-lead an activity about air cannons and saw firsthand the looks of wonder on students’ faces as they acquired new and important knowledge while also having loads of fun!

Then in May, we held the truly unforgettable Cirque du Crane Spring Benefit on our campus, and it had something for everyone: Trapeze artistry! Flame torched food! Contortionists! Juggling! Sensational auction items! Wine toss! The list goes on and on, but it was a once-in-a-lifetime return of this spectacular event. A simple thank you does not seem sufficient for the creative and hard-working team of parents, caregivers and Staffulty who made such a memorable evening possible. It was one for the history books!

Most recently, we saw the Upper School Musical, Aladdin, come to fruition, and celebrated our young thespians on the beautiful outdoor stage of the Oak Tree Quad. Our performing arts Staffulty did an extraordinary job of bringing the show to life, and while we look forward to using the incredible new theater space once it is complete this fall, it has been astounding to watch our tech crew construct such functional, yet enchanting sets this year. Even unprecedented levels of rain couldn’t slow down the charisma of Crane’s performing arts.

These events (plus many more!) have given us back that old Crane feeling, a combination of creative educational activities and an all-encompassing sense of community. With each of us continuing to pitch in, I have no doubt we can accomplish anything and everything we set out to achieve.

Joel Weiss Head of School

Aden Meisel ’19 • February 2023

My name is Aden Meisel. I am an alumnus and lifer of Crane Country Day School. I graduated from Crane in 2019 having spent nine years attending, from kindergarten all the way through the eighth grade. I am now a senior at Laguna Blanca School in Hope Ranch, and in anticipation of your question, no, unfortunately, I do not know yet where I am going to college next year. However, I can tell you that my college search has found me focusing on schools out on the east coast.

When I reflect back on my years at Crane, though it may sound odd to hear, I wasn’t really aware I had started learning until I was in high school. Of course, I picked up fundamental and crucial academic skills at Crane throughout my lower/middle/upper school journey, but the biggest and most powerful skill that Crane equipped me with was HOW to learn.

I remember being a first grader walking into the lower school science lab when it happened to be Halloween – our entire class was in costume. Our teacher then was the legendary Robin Satnick. Walking in, the whole floor was covered in a thick, spooky fog flowing off of the tables. Anyhow, I’d say we must have spent the first 15 minutes of class running around and playing in the fog.

The genius in Ms. Satnick doing this was not in knowing that putting dry ice in water creates fog, but in making us kids wonder how that was possible. Ms. Satnick fostered our curiosity by allowing us to interact directly with the wonders of science. It was that curiosity that motivated us to learn how science happens and how our world works.

From my experience, any teacher, no matter their qualifications, no matter how intelligent the students, or even the resources available, can lecture in their academic area to students. But that doesn’t mean that students are learning. What makes a Crane education special is that Crane’s faculty and programs cater to students’ curiosity and interests aside from providing them with essential academic materials. The curiosity that drives me now started in my years at Crane.

It’s hard to find where to begin when describing how much Crane has aided my transition to high school and higher education in general. I am still in touch with a good number of close friends that I made at Crane. Rather than having grade-by-grade memories looking back on my years at Crane, I remember more of a seamless and lively experience including adventures to Boston, Catalina Island, and Yosemite National Park. These are only a part of the reason why Crane’s experience is truly like none other. There is never a time I return to this beautiful campus and don’t

think of how lucky I was to have received an early education here. There are always new developments being made. Whether it is professionally-designed engineering laboratories, top-quality soccer fields, or the impeccable scenery, I can’t help but think most high school or even college students would choose to go here to study.

As a kid, I was very resistant to stepping out of my comfort zone, and trust me when I say this — the entire performing arts department at Crane can attest to this. When it came to performing in front of large audiences, I would stubbornly optout. Once I was older, maybe in 7th or 8th grade, my friend finally convinced me to join the “Vibes” elective with him, which was essentially a symphony of xylophones that performed every few weeks in front of the school. After the first few weeks in the course, I remember coming home to my parents, who were beyond shocked that I had stepped onto a stage. But I remember being most surprised by the fact that I liked it. It was a fun experience that I got to share with more and more of my friends as it grew in popularity.

I could never imagine that I would have had this change of mind had I gone somewhere else. If I had attended a large public elementary school, for example, it is possible I could never have been motivated to take the opportunity to try something new. Friendships at Crane are close in how they revolve around trying new things and discovering new passions.

Half of the things that I do today are passions that I discovered during my time at Crane. I first started playing soccer in 4th grade on an AYSO team with my entire fourth-grade class. Today, I am the captain of the Laguna Varsity boys' soccer team and we just finished in second place in our league. It was at Crane that I first discovered my passion for piano, which has transitioned over time into an interest in jazz piano. Crane is where I learned to communicate in Spanish, which I have been able to use when traveling in Spanish-speaking countries.

The list really can go on and on, but what I mean to say is that my experience at Crane not only prepared me for the next stages in life, but shaped me as a person. I am sure that many other alumni would say they have experienced something similar to what I have just expressed. Crane is as much a part of me as it is a school, and I will never forget the 9 fortunate years that I was lucky enough to have spent here.

But I want to return to what it means to know HOW to learn. Knowing how to learn is knowing how to think. And knowing how to think is what allows younger groups of people to not only pursue their interests, but pivot from one to the other. This asset is what most helps me achieve my goals, and I am sure it is at the

Math SuperBowl

Crane's fourth, fifth, and sixth grade mathematicians soared to success at the annual Math SuperBowl. Their intense preparation, teamwork, and outstanding performance, led Crane to an impressive 9th place out of 35 schools, while also securing remarkable gradelevel placements, such as a first place in the engineering challenge, and individual student awards. We celebrate these math superstars who proudly represented Crane!

Crane Golf Tournament

On the weekend of February 4 and 5, the Crane community enjoyed learning and honing some golf skills. On Saturday, students were invited to a clinic taught by PGA professional Kevin Withnell, at the Santa Barbara Golf Club where they could try their hand at golf for the first time.

That Sunday, thirty-five players assembled at Sandpiper Golf Club to play in our Crane Golf Tournament. The low net team consisted of parent Todd Eliassen and his sons Jack ’22, and Luke ’22, as well as nephew Jackson Sproul ’11. The top prize, rounds of golf at both La Purisima and Mission Golf Clubs, were won by Crane dads Brad AuBuchon, Chuck Genuardi, Chris Gocong, and Brett Williams.

A special thanks to the businesses that supported this event, including some local restaurants: Oku, Opal, Yoichi, Sun Sushi, and Coast & Olive.

Everyone departed with great memories and stories of good play. Stay tuned for next year!

Louis Caron ’97 Crane History Teacher, and golf enthusiast

All School Art Show

A celebration of community, creativity, philanthropy, and artistic expression describes this spring’s Art Show marking the return of yet another pre-pandemic annual event. Art teachers Tray London and Gretel Huglin-Ridge had a vision to elevate the Art Show by adding additional elements. The impressive artwork by K-8 artists was accompanied by student musical performances, a bake sale supporting The Elliott Fund for children in New Orleans in memory of Elliott Perkins ’89, and a special invitation to local and visiting Crane grandparents.

Tribute to Dorothy C. Waugh (1935 – 2021)

Dorothy Waugh was well-known in both the Los Angeles and Santa Barbara communities as a supporter of non-profits. Known as Dody to her companions, she served on the boards of Marlborough School, the Music Center, and was a member of the Leadership Council at the Mayo Clinic, just to name a few.

At Crane Country Day School, she was known to the Staffulty as the supportive mother to Honorary Lifetime Trustee, Scott Brittingham, and proud grandmother of Poppy ’13 and Tommy ’16 Brittingham. In addition, she is the creator and donor of the annual Dorothy C. Waugh Summer Education Award, a travel grant for teachers to develop curriculum. These grants

take advantage of summertime so teachers can have first-hand experiences which in turn make learning come alive for their students. Up until her death in 2021, she helped to choose the recipients since its inaugural year in 2004. Staffulty members continue to have amazing experiences thanks to her foresight and legacy.

Given that she attended independent schools and had been an elementary school teacher, this summer award continues to have very specific guidelines – it is not intended to explore new curricular areas, but rather to deepen a teacher’s expertise in their primary field and to support superior teaching through a direct link between the chosen endeavor and Crane’s evolving curriculum. What a legacy! The experiences and values of her life have direct impact on Crane’s teachers and like the passing of a baton in track & field, imparts excitement and energy to the next in line, Crane students. We thank Dorothy Waugh for her devotion to education and to our Staffulty grantees who take their newly acquired knowledge and pass it along.

Coyotes Outside

Coyotes Outside is a popular after-school enrichment class offered to students in grades 2-5. Led by three Staffulty members who love the outdoors - Chandler Hartnett, Tray London, and Wendy Robins - students get to explore the natural open spaces in Montecito, Santa Barbara, and Carpinteria. Hiking and exploration are paired with play, sketching, and leadership skills. The spring class observed seal pups, found frogs, waded in flowing creeks, hiked among the wildflowers, and enjoyed mountain and ocean views.

Past Parent Reunion / Track & Field Day

This year's Past Parent Reunion was held at the Helena Mason Art Gallery in the Funk Zone where two of our current parents, Chris Gocong and Josh Soskin had their artwork on display. This annual gathering is always a fun, casual event, drawing close to one hundred attendees, which everyone looks forward to each and every year!

Past Parent Reunion

Track & Field Day

3rd 4th 5th Grade

Spring Study Week perfectly weaves together Crane’s five core values into one intentional, interdisciplinary, multigrade, highly experiential week of learning for students in kindergarten through fifth grade.

This year’s Lower School Spring Study Week was a huge success. The chosen theme was “The Ripple Effect.” By definition, this is the "continuing and spreading results of an event or action." With this theme in mind, our amazing educators created 15 incredible workshops which all students experienced in mixed aged groups. Topics varied greatly from the sciences to stop motion animation and the magic of music.  The week ended as we nurtured two of Crane’s values “Put We Before Me” and “Cultivate Kindness” by participating in a service learning project to help Showers of Blessings, a Santa Barbara non-profit which offers assistance to people experiencing homelessness. Together, we created 150 care packages which were distributed to people in need in hopes that this small act of kindness will have a positive ripple effect within our local community and beyond

Dawn Brews Head of Lower School

Since it was decided that our Spring Benefit this year was to take place on campus, the next point of business was the theme. With a very creative and dedicated committee of parents, our Cirque du Crane event was imagined. It was pictured as a circus, but not your 3-ring variety, more à la Cirque du Soleil. Chic, sophisticated and stylized. They were also committed to incorporating the students somehow, understanding that the evening was adults only. Trapeze artistry was a must, and since there was already an existing connection with one member of the committee to Santa Barbara Trapeze, a partnership with Crane was born. The next thing we knew, a trapeze rig was installed on campus!

Each grade had a 90-minute opportunity to participate with the skilled trapeze performers to try out the varied equipment and moves – experiential education at its best where the children’s reactions afterwards ranged from overcoming fear to new-found confidence, or how they had zero intention of trying it, but did so, and (surprise! surprise!) they loved it!

The seventh grade QED (Quests, Explorations, Discoveries) Project uncovers students’ unique voices and allows them to pursue their passions. Within the QED framework, students pinpoint a subject of study that captures their curiosity and are paired with a community mentor who possesses expertise in that particular field. Together, the student and mentor collaborate outside the classroom and immerse themselves in the learning process. This metamorphic experience aligns seamlessly with our core value of "Doing Deepens Discovery," emphasizing learning as a journey that leads to real transformation when engaging minds, hands, and hearts.

Congratulations

Malia Alzina

Attended: Santa Barbara High School (MAD)

Attending: Loyola Marymount

National Honors Society/CSF

Community Service Principal’s Award

Ani Furmanski

Attended: Ventura High School

Attending: University of Colorado at Boulder

Izzy Gaggero

Emmett Mack

Attended: Cate School

Attending: Catholic University

9 Varsity Letters

Athletic Award for Sportsmanship

Thank

Varsity Beach / Indoor Volleyball All Channel League

Cosi Arthurs

Attended: San Marcos High School

Attending: Texas State University, BFA Acting Program

Paul Bitters

Attended: Carpinteria High School

Attending: University of California at Santa Barbara; Computer Engineering

Academic Excellence Award in Science/Math

Certificate of Excellence Award in Engineering Excellence Award in Language Arts

Owen Block

Attended: Nichols School (NY)

Attending: Grinnell College

Yale Cup

Williams Book Award

Head of School Award

Jackson Briggs

Attended: Mound Westonka High School (MN)

Attending: University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management

Magna cum laude

Double Varsity Athlete (soccer & tennis)

National Honor Society/competed for DECA

Nora Collins-Burgard

Attended: Middle College

Attending: gap year

Quinn Collins-Burgard

Attended: San Marcos High School

Attending: University of California at San Diego

Rowan Dowdall

Attended: Santa Barbara High School

Attending: California Institute of the Arts

Oliver Dworsky

Attended: Cate School

Attending: University of Chicago

Inaugural Computational Thinking Award

Attended: Laurel Springs School

Attending: University of Colorado at Boulder

Ollie Gaggero

Attended: Laurel Springs School

Attending: Cal Poly (SLO)

Gigi Geyer

Attended: Cate School

Attending: Tufts University

Audrey Gifford

Attended: Santa Barbara High School

Attending: Santa Barbara City College

Erich Goebel

Attended: Carpinteria High; Salutatorian

Attending: Cornell College

Varsity Baseball all 4 years

Academic All-League & First Team for Citrus Coast League

All-CIF Baseball Honors

Jack Gordon

Attended: San Marcos High School

Attending: Chapman University Dodge College of Film and Media Arts

Tyler Hughes

Attended: San Marcos High

Attending: Vanderbilt Crescere Aude Summer Merit Scholarship (Vanderbilt)

Lacrosse 1st Team All Channel League

Pioneer Academic Research Program

Isabelle Kim

Attended: Lakefield College School

Attending: Rollins College (FL)

Honors Scholar with Distinction

Lakefield Lifetime Achievement Award in the Performing Arts

Rollins Presidential Merit Scholarship

Kendall Kopeikin

Attended: Santa Barbara High School

Attending: Georgia Institute of Technology

Georgia Tech Provost Scholarship

SBHS Alumni Association Scholarship

Youth Well Intern

Teaching Assistant Award

Hannah Markham

Attended: Episcopal High School (VA)

Attending: Southern Methodist University

Academic High List 10-12th Grades

Lulu Marsetti

Attended: Middle College – Alta Vista High

Attending: Bard College

Joe McGonigle

Attended: The Thacher School

Attending: Princeton

Quarterback

Head Prefect

Aden Meisel

Attended: Laguna Blanca School

Attending: Dartmouth College

Ximena Mejia

Attended: Carpinteria High School

Attending: Santa Barbara City College

Molly Morouse

Attended: Laguna Blanca School; Salutatorian

Attending: University of Southern California, Marshall School

Cum Laude Scholar

Spirit that is Laguna Blanca Award

Tennis Team

Isabella Ochoa

Attended: Dos Pueblos High School

Attending: gap year (Austin, TX)

Babacar Pouye

Attended: Cate School

Attending: Bates College

Most Inspirational Athlete

Miramar Award

Basketball Player of the Year – SBArt

Jacqueline Richardson

Attended: Laguna Blanca School

Attending: NYU, Schack Institute of Real Estate

First Team All Frontier League in soccer/volleyball

Bridgman Spanish Award

Class of 2019! Best of luck next year and be sure to come visit us!

you to those who provided us with the following information.

Class of 2019

Ella Robins

Attended: Dos Pueblos High School (DPEA)

Attending: Northeastern University

National Honor Society/CSF

Volunteered in Thailand restoring coral reefs

Volunteered in Costa Rica protecting sea turtles

Bach Ryan

Attended: Redwood High School

Attending: Princeton University

Lauren Schweitzer

Attended: San Marcos High School

Attending: Wesleyan University

AP Scholar with Distinction

National Honor Society/CSF

English Dept Award

Sontene Sedlin

Attended: Santa Barbara High School

Attending: University of Southern California

Jade Silva

Attended: Laguna Blanca School

Attending: San Francisco State University

Ryan Slater

Attended: Santa Barbara High School

Attending: Boston University/Kilachand Honors College

Class President (3 years)

Dartmouth Book Award Outstanding Academic Achievement

CIF Volleyball

Lucas Urizar-Garcia

Attended: Carpinteria High School

Attending: SUNY-Purchase

Arnav Wadhwa

Attended: Dos Pueblos High School

Attending: Purdue University

Elli Westmacott

Attended: Laguna Blanca School

Attending: University of Washington

Jack Wintringham

Attended: Laurel Springs School

Attending: Apprenticeship

Tatiana Young

Attended: Cate School

Attending: Scripps College

Santa Barbara Foundation Academic Merit Scholarship  Gold Key, National Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

class of 2019 reunion

CRANE COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL

CLASS OF 2023

front row

Aydin Barry

Ronan Dowling*

Leila Hawkes

Lucien Dempsey

Java Holloway*

Dani DeLucia

Teke Meisel*

Zoe Campbell

Chloe Bellamy*

Noe Iventura Castro

Fiona McCoy*

Mia Talerico*

Piper Kulkin

back row

Jamie Levinson*

Henry Duran

Sebastian Ayala

Peter Markham*

Luc d'Offay

Jordan Caratachea

Maisie Duncan

Owen Eiler*

Paolo Shamshiri

Reagan Mack

Kaden Greene*

Avery Barrell

Marlow Rogers*

Loma Murdy*

Austin Muzzy*

Zachary Pesapane

Jackson Muller*

Kaya Hernandez

All names in order from left to right

* K-8 Crane "Lifer"

The Crane faculty and staff are very proud of the accomplishments of the eighth grade class of 2023 and wish them the best of luck in their high school adventures.

Bishop Diego High School

Java Holloway

Loma Murdy

Cate School

Aydin Barry

Kaden Greene

Jackson Muller

Campbell Hall (Los Angeles)

Paolo Shamshiri

Dos Pueblos High School

Jordan Caratachea

Dani DeLucia (DPEA)

Kaya Hernandez (DPEA)

Exeter

Zoe Campbell

George Whittell High Sch ool (Lake Tahoe)

Zackary Pesapane

Laguna Blanca School

Sebastian Ayala

Luc d’Offay

Piper Kulkin

Jamie Levinson

Austin Muzzy

Oaks Christian Online School

Reagan Mack

San Marcos High School

Chloe Bellamy (AAPLE)

Henry Duran (AAPLE)

Owen Eiler (AAPLE)

Peter Markham (AAPLE)

Fiona McCoy

Teke Meisel (AAPLE)

Santa Barbara High School

Lucien Dempsey

Leila Hawkes (MAD)

Noe Iventura

Mia Talerico (MAD)

The Thacher School

Avery Barrell

Ronan Dowling

Maisie Duncan

Marlow Rogers

Awards

Head’s Prize

description Awarded to the student who, through leadership, participation, and consideration of others, has served best as an example for us all

recipient Reagan Mack

Amiability Award

description Awarded to the student who showed the greatest cooperation with congeniality toward all

recipient Loma Murdy

Art Cup

description Given for exellence in studio art or design that consistently highlights original thought and creativity

recipient Jordan Caratachea

Java Holloway

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 Peter Markham

David Echols Math Cup

description Given in honor of former Crane teacher

David Echols to the student with outstanding performance in mathematics

recipients

Henry Duran

Jackson Muller

Design & Engineering Award

description Given to recognize the student whose designs have exhibited social consciousness, outstanding skill in fabrication, and technical innovation

recipient Piper Kulkin

Drama Cup

description Awarded for outstanding participation and memorable performance on the stage

recipients

Chloe Bellamy

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 Austin Muzzy

Katharine Faletti Performing Arts Cup

description Given in memory of Katharine Faletti for outstanding contribution in the performing arts

recipient Zoe Campbell

Lejeune Teaching Fellowship

description An annual award for an inspirational teacher

recipient Christine Bouma

lower school science Teacher

Lejeune Language Award (Spanish Cup)

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 Peter Markham

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 Loma Murdy

Music Cup

description Awarded for diligent study and accomplishment in the realm of music

recipient Lucien Dempsey

Rose Bowl

description Given in honor of former Crane teacher Cathy Rose, to an unmistakably unconventional eighth grader

recipient Marlow Rogers

Science Cup

description Awarded to the student who most closely embodies, through outstanding effort and achievement, the popular sentiment at Crane that “science is everywhere”

recipient Piper Kulkin

Sports Cup

description Awarded for outstanding performance and participation in athletics

recipients Reagan Mack Teke Meisel

Talia S. Klein Award

description Given to the student who, in the opinion of the faculty, has been an unassuming force for good

recipients Owen Eiler Jamie Levinson

Technical Theater Award

description Given to the student who has excelled in the mastery of all electronic systems used in the theater

recipient Dani DeLucia

Class of 2023 Awards

Tower Achievement Award

description Awarded to the student who showed greatest academic improvement through effort and application

recipient Luc d’Offay

Writing Cup

description Given to a student who has demonstrated significant interest in continual excellence in writing

recipient Piper Kulkin

Award Recipients (left-right)

Chloe Bellamy

Drama Cup

Zoe Campbell

Katharine Faletti Performing Arts Award

Jordan Caratachea

Art Cup

Dani DeLucia

Technical Theater Award

Lucien Dempsey

Music Cup

Henry Duran

David Echols Math Cup

Owen Eiler

Talia S. Klein Award

Java Holloway

Art Cup

Piper Kulkin

Design & Engineering Award

Science Cup

Writing Cup

Jamie Levinson

Talia S. Klein Award

Reagan Mack

Head’s Prize

Sports Cup

Peter Markham

Dan McCaslin History Cup

Lejeune Language Award (Spanish Cup)

Teke Meisel

Sports Cup

Jackson Muller

David Echols Math Cup

Loma Murdy

Amiability Award

Library Award

Austin Muzzy

Julia Brown English Cup

Luc d’Offay

Tower Achievement Award

Marlow Rogers

Rose Bowl

Christine Bouma

Lejeune Teaching Fellowship

& Award Recipients!

peter bonning ’94

Founded in 2009 by Peter Bonning ’94, and three lifelong friends, the Carpinteria Skate Foundation (CSF) has grown from a grassroots movement for the development of a multi-use recreational facility in the community, to a multifaceted non-profit organization working in close partnership with Carpinteria and its school district.  For its efforts on behalf of the residents, the CSF was recognized by the Carpinteria City Council as the Community Partner/Business Award recipient for 2022.

CSF is dedicated to fostering recreational and extracurricular opportunities in the local community. Through the creation of the Carpinteria Skate Park and the PUSH PROJECT, CSF works to maintain inclusive spaces designed for creative self-expression, with a focus on engaging a growth mindset. Having grown up participating in a healthy balance of team and creative sports, like surfing and skateboarding, CSF’s founders understood the importance of alternative spaces with a low barrier of entry for creative self-expression and exercise. The inclusive, supportive, and generationally diverse nature of skateboard culture, and its sheer popularity, made it stand out among the key components missing from this idyllic beachside hamlet.

One night in 2009, Peter and his friends were engaged in dinner table conversation about what it might take to build a skatepark, and further, what effect it might have on the larger community. This conversation spawned a poll taken at the Rincon Classic that year to determine public interest. The response was so overwhelmingly positive that it was decided to lean into this effort.

With no experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, or municipal processes, the foursome began asking questions of those people in-the-know. They combined knowledge gleaned from many conversations and began to apply it to an outreach program that would serve Carpinteria for years to come.

Peter connected with fellow Crane alumnus, John Haan ’93 later that year to explore the creation of a skatepark. Peter and John knew the formation of a non-profit organization would help legitimize this movement and facilitate the fundraising necessary to drive a municipal campaign.

From the outset, the CSF directors were focused on creating a facility that would encourage empathy and understanding and would be a family friendly environment, while at the same time be a world-class venue capable of attracting visitors and initiate a revenue stream for local businesses.

In partnership with Carpinteria, CSF made the slow trek through the processes of developing this project. With unending positive support and generous financial contributions, CSF was able to cut a $1.5M check to the city in 2021 to break ground.

With the park under construction, the organization was approached by the Carpinteria School District to partner in the creation of an afterschool program for middle school students. With his classroom teaching experience Peter developed a plan rooted in visual arts, while promoting personal growth, creative selfexpression, financial literacy, and academic accountability. And the PUSH PROJECT was born. Carpinteria Middle School students are enrolled at no cost and have daily access to the program at the CSF headquarters, Culture Skate Factory. Carpinteria High School students earn community service hours towards graduation serving as mentors in the program, and all students enrolled play a tangible role in the development and maintenance of the new skatepark.

Peter Bonning ’94 is Executive Director at the Carpinteria Skate Foundation. For more information and ways to support, please visit www.carpskatepark.org and @carp_skatepark

faha banks ’83

Being a pre-first (kindergarten) student through eighth grade, Faha was a Crane lifer. Her siblings (Mweiu ’83, Simon ’87, and Maiesha ’03) also attended. Even at an early age, Faha was known for her athleticism. She is the only Crane student whose name graces the All-Around Girl Athlete Award for her three consecutive Upper School years — 1983, 1984, and 1985!

Upon graduation from Crane, Faha stood out as an all-star hall of famer — she was an inductee into the 2013 Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table Hall of Fame for her stellar career in Santa Barbara High School basketball, softball and track. It’s no wonder she followed that with standout performances at SBCC.

Faha was no stranger to basketball success when she arrived at SBCC in 1989.  A 4-year starter on the SBHS Girls’ Basketball team, she was selected as the SBHS Athlete of the Year as a senior.  She was also a first team All-Channel League and CIF selection.

As a freshman at SBCC, Faha averaged 12.5 pts per game and set a single game record for most 3-point-shots in a game going 6 for 6 vs Glendale.  She was an All-Western State Conference selection and earned a full scholarship to Chapman University (Div. 2).

Faha returned to SBCC in 1991-92, improving her scoring average to 18.2 points per game which helped guide the Vaqueros to a secondplace finish in the powerful WSC North Division.  She earned WSC All-Conference as well as All-State honors where she participated in the California Community College Women’s Basketball Coaches

cooper allebrand ’07 and niko comati ’07

Cooper Allebrand ’07 and Niko Comati ’07 met at Crane’s pre-first (kindergarten) class in the fall of 1998. They built a deep friendship over their love for soccer and the ocean. As youngsters, they were fiercely competitive and always tried to outdo each other, but Crane created an atmosphere that helped them move past their rivalry and thrust them towards the rewards of trustworthy teamwork.

As they grew older their friendship grew stronger. After attending universities on opposite sides of the country, Cooper eventually moved back to Santa Barbara in 2020. Niko had been working in wineries for a couple years in northwest Italy, New Zealand, and all around the California central coast. Upon Cooper’s return, he also

Association All-Star game. In both her SBCC seasons, Faha was recognized by her teammates earning the Team Player Award because in addition to being a scorer, she was also a willing passer who led the team in assists.

California State University East Bay was Faha’s next destination where she completed her BA in sociology with a minor in ethnic studies.  She returned to Santa Barbara ready to make an impact in the basketball community by starting the Blazers Girls’ Basketball traveling team with former UCSB star Carrick DeHart.  Faha also served as an assistant basketball coach at SBCC during the 1995-1998 seasons and has been an assistant girls’ basketball coach at SBHS for the past 8 years.

Faha’s passion for serving the youth in our community goes far beyond points, assists, and rebounds. Her 21-year career working in the Santa Barbara Juvenile Probation Department is testimony to her commitment to help young people prosper.  Currently, she works for the Santa Barbara Unified School District as a Family Engagement Liaison at Washington School.

To the present day, Faha continues to demonstrate her winning spirit by contributing to the local community with the same passion, tenacity, perseverance and work ethic that defined her style of play.  She’s the proud mother of her wonderful sons, Dallas and Mason Redick.

On June 16, Faha was named to the SBCC Vaqueros Hall of Fame; congratulations!

jumped into the wine world, quickly picking up a job with Storm Wines (a renowned Santa Barbara County winery), and enrolled in the UC Davis winemaker certification program. Revisiting an old idea hatched in 2017, Cooper and Niko decided to invest in some highquality grapes and make remarkable and delicious wines they love.

2021 is their inaugural vintage, making Cab Franc, Syrah, Nebbiolo, Dolcetto, and Riesling. Their business is the result of the desire to build community through approachability and collaboration with local artists, chefs, musicians, and artisans.

Alamati Wines (a combination of their last names) is their label, and they were kind enough to donate cases to pour at the Cirque du Crane Spring Benefit.

hans rheinschild ’88

Interview with Crane alumnus Hans Rheinschild, the current principal at Monte Vista Elementary School:

I attended Crane from grades 1-6 (19801986); attended SBMS for grades 7-9 and am a graduate of Santa Barbara High School ’92. I received my Master of Teaching from Bennington College in Vermont ’00 and my Education Specialist of Educational Administration from Appalachian State University in North Carolina ’15.

What are your three best memories of Crane?

In no particular order:

• Falling headfirst out of the big oak tree on picture day in grade 5 and breaking my arm. Legendary.

• Mizz Rose,s creative writing class was a favorite.

• I mostly remember Crane as a huge, green campus surrounded by trees and feeling the need to fully explore everything.

How did you come to be a school principal? How long have you worked at Monte Vista and what is the most enjoyable part of your job?

I started out as a middle school English teacher in North Carolina. After a few years, the school promoted me to Literacy Facilitator where I supervised the school-wide English program. This led to an assistant principal position at Clemmons Elementary School. My family then decided to move back home to California and ended up in Buellton where I served as the principal of Oak Valley Elementary and Jonata Middle from 2016-2020. I am now nearing the end of my third year as principal of Monte Vista Elementary. The favorite part of my job is spending time with the students. I try to sit at a different lunch table every day. I'm so happy to spend my days working beneath the mountains that I hiked as a kid!

Tell me a bit about your personal life.

I've been married to Gina Bernacchia Rheinschild for almost 20 years. We live in Buellton with our two children, 17-year-old son Wylder and 14-year-old daughter Cambria, and two mega highenergy dogs. They both attend Dunn School in Los Olivos. Cambria recently returned from Thailand where she worked at an elephant sanctuary. Wylder is on a mission to figure out how to ride an e-bike around the world. My main hobby is hiking the San Rafael Wilderness in search of hidden Chumash rock art. I also fear that I am slowly turning into a birder.

Anything else you would like to add?

I believe when someone has had really great school experiences such as I with Crane, SBMS, Bennington, etc., these schools create an inherent drive to share this deeply impactful learning with others. This has become my calling, my career and something that I'm honored to do every day.

Graduates from 2019 at Santa Barbara High School’s prom: l-r: Erich Goebel, Audrey Gifford, Kendall Kopeikin, Oliver Dworsky

Debbie Williams with Mike Jimenez ʼ00 and sons Hunter ʼ31, Ethan ʼ28, and brother, Justin ʼ06

Crane 2018 Alumni home for the holidays: Charlotte Weis, Ami Wallmark, Jaeda Spence, Ella Jones

San Marcos Theater siblings Cosi ʼ19 and Beckett ʼ22 Arthurs had the opportunity to be on stage together multiple times

alumni news

Eighth Grade

Eighth Grade Speeches

The long-standing tradition of the eighth grade speech serves as a powerful embodiment of our core value, "Value Your Voice." It is a memorable occasion where our students take center stage at Assembly and showcase their growth and potential. This aligns perfectly with our commitment to providing a safe and supportive environment for learning, embracing new challenges, and taking risks. Through this experience, our students build their confidence, and ignite their curiosity, discovering the transformative power of their own voices. Here are the 2022-23 speech topics:

By Piper Kulkin

Peter Glynn and Joel Jamison’s time at Crane overlapped by 15 years; fortuitously they found friendship and several mutual interests during their tenures.

How did you find yourself at Crane?

PG: I ended up at Crane kind of by accident. In 2008, I was researching how to obtain an education grant to teach in the Goleta School District and stumbled upon an ad for a math specialist at Crane. The rest is history!

JJ: Back in the 1990s, I had a musician friend who was in charge of maintenance at Crane. He actually recruited me to play at the Crane Country Fair in ’93 and ’94 so I was somewhat familiar with the campus and some of the teachers. In the summer of 1995, a spot opened up and I joined the maintenance team!

Would you share your favorite place on campus?

PG: My favorite place is out on the field watching kids playing tag, soccer, etc.

JJ: I love being on my lawnmower down at the far end of the soccer field looking back at the campus with the mountains and Montecito Peak in the background.

What is your favorite Crane memory?

PG: My favorite memories will be of all the wonderful Friday Spotlights. Mr. Kono does a splendid job helping kids highlight their talents for everyone to enjoy.

JJ: There are too many to list! I've always been a big fan of daily Assembly and the Spring Musical. The first show I was involved with was Oliver in the spring of ’96. Bennett Barbakow ’96 played Fagan and just killed it! I had so much fun being part of a team bringing a show to life; I will always remember that fondly.

We wish them both many happy retirement years and know that they will continue to play music and hike in the backcountry together. . . Happy Trails!

These five bandmates represent over 150 years of service to Crane!

l-r: Doug McKenzie (former US math teacher), Joel Jamison, Chris Caretto (former 5th grade teacher), Dan McCaslin (former US Social Studies teacher), Peter Glynn

kindergarten | Puppy Town

CRANE COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL

1795 San Leandro Lane

Santa Barbara, CA 93108

www.craneschool.org

CAMPUSOn

A Newsletter for Families, Grandparents, Alumni, and Friends

Academic Year 2022/2023 • Volume Two CRANE COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL

I Madonnari 2023 – After studying the life and work of both Alma Thomas and Jean-Michel Basquiat this year, Crane students were thrilled to create this large-scale design celebrating both artists. It was so fun to watch students of all ages jump right in with confidence and help each other learn the tricks of painting with chalk.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Jim Copus ’92 President

Christina Stoney Vice President

Clay Murdy ’93 Treasurer

Paul Gauthier Secretary

Tamar Adegbile

Stephen Blass

Todd Eliassen

Will Freeland ’00

Chris Gocong

Bob Ingersoll

Annie Kaiser

Susan McMillan

Sarah Muzzy

Matt Riley

Sarah Sheshunoff

Jennifer Siemens

Courtney Smith

Carrie Towbes

Honorary Lifetime Trustee

Scott C. Brittingham

EDITOR

Debbie Williams

DESIGN & PRODUCTION

Lorie Bacon

SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHER

Teresa Pietsch

COPY EDITOR

Rhoda Lauten