Crawford Educational Complex

Crawford Educational Complex
Motto	Excellence is our goal, failure is not an option!
Established	September 10, 1957; re-established 2004
Type	Public
Students	Approximately 1600
Grades	9–12
Location	4191 Colts Way, San Diego, California, USA
Coordinates	32°45′8″N 117°4′32″W / 32.75222°N 117.07556°W / 32.75222; -117.07556Coordinates: 32°45′8″N 117°4′32″W / 32.75222°N 117.07556°W / 32.75222; -117.07556
District	San Diego City Schools
Mascot	Colt
Yearbook	'The Centaur'
Website	http://www.sandi.net/crawford

Crawford Educational Complex, formerly Will C. Crawford High School and still known as Crawford High School, is a high school located in the El Cerrito neighborhood of San Diego, California. In the fall of 2012, the school was returned to a traditional school with one principal and two vice-principals and returned to its original name Will C. Crawford High School.

It is part of the San Diego Unified School District. Erected in 1957 and dedicated in 1958, it is a comprehensive school serving 1,500 students in grades 9–12.

History

Naming

The school was named after Dr. Will C. Crawford, Superintendent of the San Diego Unified Schools from 1934 to 1954.^[1] and was officially opened during a dedication ceremony on April 27, 1958.

Decision on School Mascot and Colors

In 1957, the incoming Horace Mann Junior High School graduating 9th Grade class and transfer students from Hoover High School formed the 10th and 11th grade class (at the time, the school was 10th thru 12th grade). there was no 12th grade the first year. The entire student body of Crawford High School decided on the school colors and mascot. There was a vote between crimson, white and blue or black and teal but crimson, white and blue had won. The mascot was decided on Dr.Crawford's other major career, an Air Force Pilot, they voted the mascot as being some kind of aircraft or bird but to keep rivalry with Hoover High School (whose mascot was the Cardinal), and because the yearbook was named Centaur, it was decided that the mascot will be a Colt. The alma mater was later written and the Pacer newspaper was founded.

Crawford Educational Complex

Crawford High School reopened in 2004 as the Crawford Educational Complex through a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. It consisted of four schools within a school: The School of Law and Business (LAB), Multimedia and Visual Arts School (MVAS), Invention and Design Educational Academy (IDEA) and the School of Community Health and Medical Practices (CHAMPs). The small schools were closed due to district budget cuts, and the school returned to a comprehensive campus in Fall 2012.

The 50th anniversary

In the 2007/2008 school year, Crawford celebrated its 50th anniversary, alumni from various classes visited the school, the 50th edition of the Centaur Yearbook was dedicated to the alumni and the graduating class of 2008, which was the first Crawford class to graduate while spending all four years in a small school. The campus was repainted blue and crimson by the end of the school year.

Reorganization

Crawford High School was reorganized in 2004 into the Crawford Educational Complex through a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.^[2] It consisted of four schools within a school: The School of Law and Business (LAB), Multimedia and Visual Arts School (MVAS), Invention and Design Educational Academy (IDEA) and the Community Health and Medical Practices School (CHAMPS).

Schools

Small Schools

Crawford offers a unique experience for its students. The campus offers "schools within a school" thanks to a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Here are the small schools:

Community Health and Medical Practices School (CHAMPS)

A rigorous college preparatory curriculum that integrates health and medical themes. The AVID program helps students achieve both present and future goals.

         The small school colors are Red and White.

Specialized courses:

• Chemistry of Nutrition
• Computer Applications
• Health Essentials
• Medical/Community Health Internship
• Certified Nursing Assistant (ROP)

CHAMPS Website

Invention and Design Educational Academy (IDEA)

Provides students with personalized opportunities to explore their community, country, and world, as well as their own lives as shaped by new inventions and technology. The Academy also offers the opportunity to work on real world and inquiry-oriented projects throughout the college preparatory curriculum in a smaller, more personalized learning environment.

         The small school colors are black and yellow.

Specialized Courses:

• Pre-Engineering & Design
• Principals of Engineering
• CAD Drafting and Architecture
• Web Design
• Auto
• Business Environments
• Computer Applications
• Invention & Society

IDEA Website

School of Law and Business (LAB)=

Allows students to explore their interest in law enforcement, the legal system, and business in a rigorous college preparatory curriculum that enables students to successfully meet the challenges of continuing education and future careers.

         The small school colors are Blue and Gold.

Specialized Courses:

• Accounting
• Business Management & Ownership
• Business Environments
• Career and Life Management
• Computerized Accounting
• Computer Applications
• Forensics
• Law Office Procedures
• You and the Law

LAB Website

Multimedia and Visual Arts School (MVAS)

Provides a unique learning environment, which combines artistic creativity with strong core academics throughout the curriculum. The MVAS experience is designed to nurture the talents of individual students while preparing them for college and future careers. Students are exposed to the real world through internships, job shadows, and field trips. Students can also take advantage of the special facilities and a one-of-a-kind outdoor art studio.

         The small school colors are black and purple.

Specialized Courses:

• Art 1 & 2
• Design Mixed Media
• Drawing & Painting
• AP Studio Art
• Video Production
• Computerized Graphic Design
• Web Design
• Multimedia Production

MVAS Website

Feeder schools

Public feeder schools include two middle schools and eight elementary schools.

Middle Schools

• Horace Mann Middle School
• Monroe Clark Middle School

Elementary schools

• Carver Elementary School
• Euclid Elementary School
• Henry Clay Elementary School
• Herbert Ibarra Elementary School
• John Marshall Elementary School
• Mary Lanyon Fay Elementary School
• Oak Park Elementary School
• Rolando Park Elementary School

Curriculum

Crawford High consists of a 4x4 block schedule, which means that students are able to complete four full classes a semester (fall term and spring term) totaling eight full classes a year, rather than the traditional six year-long courses. This enables students to complete a full year’s curriculum in a more condensed term, allowing them to enroll in additional electives or ROP courses.

Community service requirements

All students are required to complete 20 to 40 hours of community service a year. Several opportunities for community service are available through on or off campus organizations, or students may complete this requirement independently. On campus organizations include Division 11 Key Club, a community service organization on the campus, which recently returned to Crawford during the 2010–2011 school year, Peer Helping, the largest and most active service organization started by teacher Julie Reinhardt in the early 1990s, and Auroras, a senior honor society (students must have a GPA over 3.0) specializing in service that has been on campus since the 1960s. Crawford boasts its own garden, and internships are available to current students. Off campus organizations include the San Diego Asian Youth Organization and the East African Youth Organization, both based at the UPAC center. Community service requirements were put forth in an effort to boost college acceptances.

Centaur

Centaur is Crawford's award-winning, nationally recognized yearbook. It consistently takes best of class and places within the top 2 at the San Diego County Fair and other contests. A Centaur is a Greek mythological creature that is half human and half horse.

San Diego County Fair Awards

Year	Place	Best of Class
2002	2nd Place	Nominated
2003	1st Place	Nominated
2004	1st Place	Nominated
2005	1st Place	Won
2006	1st Place	Nominated
2007	2nd Place	Won
2008	2nd Place	Nominated
2009	2nd Place	Nominated
2010	1st Place	Nominated
2011	1st Place	Nominated
2012	1st Place	Nominated

Annual events

Crawford hosts many traditional annual events.

Welcome Back Dance

Hosted at the beginning of the school year, each year a new theme is chosen.

Club Rush

An event held in the main quad every October to help encourage students to join school clubs to get involved. Club booths are set up around the quad.

Spirit Week

An tradition that is held week-long during mid-October. It holds over several events, the Homecoming Game, Homecoming Dance, School Spirit days throughout the week, and multiple rallies.

Harvest Festival

A festival held on the Thursday one week from Thanksgiving Day. The school clubs participate by selling food at booths. Music and dance are performed in the main quad.

Love Festival

Similar to the Harvest Festival, it celebrates Valentines Day instead of Thanksgiving.

Talent Show

A show held in December and April to showcase student's talents.

End-of-Term Dodgeball Game

A dodgeball tournament between freshman, sophomores, juniors and seniors. Finalist take on the school staff. Held at the end of every semester.

International Affair

In celebration of Crawfords vast diversity, the event is held every May on the baseball field to remind students about their ethnic background and cultural spirit. Food booths, music and dance are added to this event as well.

Senior Basketball Game

The Seniors take on the teachers in basketball game held a couple of days before graduation.

Senior Barbeque

A barbeque dedicated to the seniors. Yearbook signing party is held the same day.

Class colors

Freshmen (Class of 2018 & ngrfegs) –      Purple

Sophomores (Class of 2017) –      Red

Juniors – (Class of 2016)-      Blue

Seniors – (Class of 2015)-      White

School Colors: Crimson, White, Blue

Student clubs

Sports

Crawford's main rival are the neighboring Hoover Cardinals located just westbound on El Cajon Boulevard. Other significant rivals include the Patrick Henry Patriots, Lincoln Hornets and Helix Scotties.

List of CIF Championships

^[3]

Sport	Title(s) Won	Runner-Up
Badminton	1990, 1991, 1992, 1993	1989, 1994, 1995, 1998, 1999, 2008, 2009, 2012
Baseball	1962, 1964, 1965	1966, 1967, 1969
Boy's Basketball	1963, 2006
Girl's Basketball
Boy's Cross Country	1973, 1974	1975, 1976
Girl's Cross Country
Football	1961	1985
Boy's Golf	1965, 1967, 2010	1975
Girl's Golf
Boy's Gymnastics	1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968
Girl's Gymnastics
Boy's Soccer	2002, 2003, 2010, 2011
Girls Soccer	2010, 2011
Softball	1985	1986
Swimming	1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972	1973, 1974
Boy's Tennis	1969, 2002, 2003	1970, 2000
Girl's Tennis
Boy's Track and Field	1974	1975, 1987
Girl's Track and Field	1977, 1978, 1979, 1981	1976, 1982, 1987
Boy's Volleyball		2010
Girl's Volleyball
Boy's Waterpolo	1970, 1971	1972, 1976, 1979, 1983, 1984
Girl's Waterpolo
Wrestling	2003

Notable alumni

• Carlos Amezcua, TV news anchor
• Stephen Bishop, singer, songwriter
• Tim Blackwell, Former professional baseball player (Boston Red Sox, Philadelphia Phillies, Montreal Expos, Chicago Cubs)
• Dave Duncan, Major League Baseball player (Kansas City Athletics, Oakland Athletics, Cleveland Indians, Baltimore Orioles)
• Dave Engle, Former professional baseball player (Minnesota Twins, Detroit Tigers, Montreal Expos, Milwaukee Brewers)
• William Gore, Sheriff of San Diego County
• Ed Herrmann, Former professional baseball player (Chicago White Sox, New York Yankees, California Angels, Houston Astros, Montreal Expos)
• Jim Nettles, Former professional baseball player (Minnesota Twins, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, Oakland Athletics)
• Sandi Patty, Classical Singer, lyric coloratura soprano
• Chuck Rainey, Former professional baseball player (Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Oakland Athletics)
• Jim Peterson, Professional player, National Football League
• Phyllis Schwartz, Vice President of NBC Universal TV
• Mike Stamm, Olympic Swimmer/silver medalist
• Dick Woodson, Former professional baseball player (Minnesota Twins, New York Yankees)
• Valerie Ziegenfuss, Top-ranked WTA tennis player

• Bob Boone, former catcher and manager in Major League Baseball who was a four-time All-Star^[4]
• Salvatore Joseph Cordileone, Archbishop of San Francisco, former Bishop of Oakland
• Sherri Lightner, San Diego City council member
• Kathy Najimy, Actress
• Kadir Nelson, Artist, author, and illustrator
• Malcolm Thomas, American professional basketball player for Maccabi Tel Aviv^[5]
• Joan Embery, Wildlife and Environment Preservationist

Alma mater

All hail Crawford High School,
Crimson, white and blue,
Loyalty and honor
We will pledge to you,
Our banner's always waving,
Crowned with victory,
All hail Crawford High School,
We will be true to thee!

See also

• List of high schools in San Diego County, California
• List of high schools in California
• Crawford Educational Complex
• Primary and secondary schools in San Diego, California

References

External links

• Crawford Educational Complex – official website
  • Invention and Design Educational Academy – official website