was a concocted scheme to forge me as a leader, in which
week at Crespi, Chandler’s locker unexpectedly burst open due
I am forever grateful.
as he was. An upperclassman, name still unknown to us, came
Mr. King was instrumental in facilitating this achievement. Years later, my wife Shelly and I decided to send our own
sons to Crespi (and all three of them learned and benefitted from Mr. King just like I did). Our older sons Brandon ’04 and Connor ’08 flourished at Crespi. Brandon started out by trying every
sport – a varsity wrestler as a freshman and a tri-athlete by his
to the overwhelming stack of books that was nearly as large to Chandler’s rescue. This fine Crespi man helped Chandler
re-assemble and organize his books in his locker, and got him
to class on time. In my day at Crespi, an upperclassmen would have kicked a freshman’s books down the hall – not today!
Later that week, the Physical Education Coach instructed
sophomore year – but ultimately found a passion in theater light-
Chandler’s class to sprint up the bleachers and run down back-
Marymount and CSUN. Connor tackled Crespi’s Advanced Place-
down in reverse? Forget about it. When the rest of the boys
ing and sound, which put him on his current career path after
ment programs – which prepared him for the academic rigors of USC – all while taking on leadership roles on Kairos retreats and the volleyball court. He even delivered his senior class’ commencement speech.
And since family and commu-
nity are at the heart of Crespi,
honorable mention goes to my
daughter Brooke, Louisville Class of’ ’09. Our beloved sister school
molded her into the woman she is today. She fearlessly took on
opportunities as a water polo player and ASB President, and went
to USC as a women’s water polo
athlete, winning an NCAA National Championship as a freshman!
This cast of Carpenter characters
is bound together by their Crespi and Louisville legacies, but I’ve
saved the best piece of our legacy
wards. For Chandler, going up would be daunting, but coming finished their sprints, they lined every bleacher riser to cheer and encourage Chandler up the stairs. They continued their
boisterous support while standing guard to protect and ensure
“Crespi helped transform all three of my sons, but Chandler was given a special chance that he wouldn’t have gotten elsewhere.”
for last.
Four years ago, Shelly and I agonized over where our
youngest son Chandler, who is challenged with special needs,
that Chandler made it down safely. It was a beautiful moment.
Finally, on Senior Big Brother
Day, the seniors filed into the gym to be paired with their freshman “little brothers.” Chandler was
sitting alone in the bottom corner of the bleachers when a varsity
football linebacker – the Big Man on Campus – walked right up to him, confidently extended his
hand and said “hey little buddy,
come with me.” In the silent gym with all eyes on Chandler, his big brother led him to the center of
the bleachers, making a statement that Chandler was to be protected and respected; not ever to be an
object of teasing or insensitive mockery.
These acts of kindness which all occurred within the first
would attend high school. Chandler grew up surrounded by the
week of Chandler’s arrival at Crespi are what truly make a
exceptional experience his brothers had. However, we were
ued to grow and develop at Crespi, and had many of the same
Crespi community, and we wanted to provide him with the same concerned that he would face difficulties or would be held back by his natural limitations. We took a leap of faith and turned
to Crespi. Without hesitation, Crespi’s President, Principal and
Admissions Director assured us that the school would work with
Crespi man. The kindness didn’t stop there. Chandler contin-
treasured experiences as his brothers and even his dad. Better
yet, he was this year’s Homecoming King! Chandler earned his Varsity Letter for Scholastics earning a 3.5+ GPA for 3 years. Crespi helped transform all three of my sons, but Chandler
us to give our youngest son the chance to become a Crespi Man.
was given a special chance that he wouldn’t have gotten
somewhat anxiously) awaited the start of the school year to
every day to be respectful of one another. My sons, especially
We left that meeting feeling relieved, but eagerly (and
see how our decision would pan out. Looking back, it’s no
surprise that Crespi came through for our son. During his first
elsewhere. We as Celts are called to be life-long learners, living Chandler, are better for it.
God Bless and Fight ON! .
CELTS MAGAZINE
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2017 X
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