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Jacky Morales, freshman, is invested in her book during her 8th period applied music class Thursday.

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Come support the Crane Golden Crane varsity football team at Panther Stadium in Fort Stockton Friday!

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Kalyne Palma and Lexiana Rodriguez, juniors, work on their homecoming mums during Floral Design Wednesday at CHS.

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Crane High School seniors prepare ghost grams Wednesday evening in the Library. Ghost grams are prepared in September to be sold in October as part of a fundraiser for National Honor Society.

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Elihu Jacobo, junior, crafts his homecoming mum during Floral Design Wednesday at CHS.

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Kayti Hale, sophomore, is exhausted after marching through the halftime show Friday night at Brave Stadium.

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CHS cheerleaders dress up for Y2K day Thursday.

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Sasha Oyervides, senior, gets into the spooky spirit by making ghost grams for NHS Wednesday afternoon.

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Rianne Tagum, sophomore, rakes in that dough by selling chocolates for a STUCO fundraiser Wednesday at Crane High School.

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Francisco Neri, maintenance worker for CISD, fixes the sewer line at Crane High School Thursday morning.

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Guillermo Partida, senior, gets the team yards Friday while going against the Iraan Braves.

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Iza Barrera, 8th Grader, shows her pride towards the the crowd at the Crane Middle School football game at El Ave Stadium.

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Sara Hill: Thinking Outside “the Bachs” to Continue Tradition of Excellence for Crane High School Band

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Sara Hill: Thinking Outside “the Bachs” to Continue Tradition of Excellence for Crane High School Band

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By Emarie Carrasco

El Ave News staff writer

The lights come up, the crowd quiets, and a hush falls across the field. Musicians raise their instruments, the faint taste of a new reed lingering, fingers poised to bring months of practice to life. The turf brushes beneath marching shoes as the first notes soar—a moment built on countless hours of preparation.

For Crane High School Band Director Sara Hill, those moments are what make the journey worthwhile. Her career with Crane ISD has been marked by loyalty, dedication, and a deep love for both music and community.

Hill first joined the district as an assistant band director at the middle school, serving four years in that role before stepping away briefly to focus on her family. She later returned as the middle school band director, a position she held for five years, before spending two years in McCamey. Ultimately, her path led her back home.

“I love it. I’m a Crane at heart, and I absolutely love Crane,” Hill said with a smile.

Now leading at the high school level, Hill has witnessed the program’s steady growth. This year, she says, feels especially different.

“I think this year’s band works really hard. The work ethic is different. Everyone shows up, takes care of business, and gives everything they have every moment,” she explained.

That dedication, she believes, will shine brightest under the Friday night lights and in competition. This season’s marching show features bold props, creative staging, and the energy of a group determined to excel.

“I can’t wait for the band to be amazing at area and state marching contests,” Hill said. “We’re pulling off one heck of a show, and I couldn’t be more thrilled.”

This year’s marching show is entitled, “Out of the Bachs,” which is a nod to Johann Sebastian Bach, and the show will also feature songs by Arianna Grande and other popular artists.

Cash Pettit, an 8th grader who serves as a roadie under Hill and is excited to play next year at the high school level, said working with the band is really fun and that he respects Hill for her leadership.

“She’s a great teacher,” Pettit said. “ I’m happy that she lets middle schoolers be a part of the show. I am a roadie, which means I help set up props and equipment for the show.”

Also a musician who plays trumpet in the CMS band, Pettit said he looks forward to marching on Friday nights next year.

“I think with the type of leader she is, we will have a great chance of going all the way to state.”

For Hill, music is more than performance—it’s a way of building tradition, character, and pride. With her vision and leadership, the Crane High School band continues to honor its legacy while marching confidently into the future.

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Coach Casey Steinhauer and Coach Guy Barnett chat early Tuesday morning before starting their day off at the Crane Field House.

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Sergeant Tellez, U.S. Marine Corps, came to visit the Crane High School Wednesday evening; he joined the USMC in October of 2019. The United States military is a great option for many high school students who seek discipline, career and educational opportunities, and who simply want to serve their country.

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The Lady Bird Varsity team prays before their game Tuesday against the McCamey Badgers in Big Lake.

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Easton Navarrete, seventh grader, gets into position to make a play Thursday at El Ave Stadium.

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JJ Rodriguez, senior, starts his homecoming mum this week in his floral design class.

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Berkley McNeese, junior, stays after school Wednesday in order to help Student Council hang the itinerary poster for homecoming around the High School.

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Emma Snow, sophomore, snaps a sunrise photo on the way back to CHS Wednesday morning.

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Kayti Hale, sophomore, smiles before she plays a song for the Crane football team's send-off Friday in front of Crane High School.

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Tegan Rodriguez, senior, is all smiles at the send-off Friday in front of Crane High School.

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Aaron Padilla, senior, fights hard Friday night against the Iraan Braves.

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The Crane County Youth Center flag football team discusses their next play during a game Tuesday night at the Crane County Holyfield Sports Complex

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Angel Barba, sophomore, cooks fried rice Wednesday morning at the Bethune School for culinary class.

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Coach Jose Alvarado watches the seventh graders play at El Ave Stadium Thursday.

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Nick Gabaldon, 8th grader, gets ready before a play Thursday against the Monahans Loboes at El Ave Stadium.

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For Love of the Game: Capturing Moments with Each Shutter

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For Love of the Game: Capturing Moments with Each Shutter

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Brad Pettit, journalism teacher, shows his love for photography and football by coming to every game to support the student athletes, band, color guard, twirlers, and cheerleaders. We thank you for everything you do!

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The Crane varsity football team gets into position for a play against the Iraan Braves Friday night.

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Kobe Walker, sophomore, makes an undeniably great play; unfortunately, the amazing catch wasn't counted.

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Kobe Walker, sophomore, positions himself for the next play Friday while going against the Iraan Braves.

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Noah Guerrero, sophomore, takes a knee to show his respect when a player is hurt Friday while going against the Iraan Braves.

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Jolee Seabourn, Ag teacher at CHS, snaps a photo while driving downtown.

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Certain CISD staff are required to be CPR certified. They practice the skills they've learned by working on dummies.

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Exceptional Empowerment Class Remembers September 11th Terrorist Attacks on Anniversary

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Exceptional Empowerment Class Remembers September 11th Terrorist Attacks on Anniversary

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The Exceptional Empowerment Class create artistic representations of the tragedy that occurred September 11, 2001.

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Briza Barrera, sophomore, shows her school spirit by shaking her pom poms and cheering on the varsity football team at the send-off Friday in front of Crane High School.

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Izayah Saucedo, senior, receives the award for player of the week during Friday's send-off in front of CHS.

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Ivan Moreno, senior, receives an award for his play at the send-off Friday afternoon.

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Sebastion Rizo, Michael Esparza, and David Padilla, cross country runners, are recognized during Friday's send-off.

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With a fierce and focused expression, freshman Charlee Lee's cheer sets the tone, fueling the team's send-off with an electrifying energy Friday afternoon in front of Crane High School.

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Stevie-Kate Pettit, 5th grader, gets ready to serve during a youth center volleyball game Saturday morning in the Crane Elementary School gym.

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Jacob Bejarano, senior, avoids a block during the game against the Iraan Braves Friday evening in Iraan.

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Noah Guerrero and Andrew Garcia, sophomores, are hard at work for their chemistry project for Zondra Pointer's chemistry class.

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Juan Lozano, sophomore, receives an award for being an outstanding color guard member.

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Amanda Gutierrez and Stephanie Santos, sophomores, perform in the halftime show during the game against the Iraan Braves Friday in Iraan.

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Keyan Williams, freshman, waits for further instructions while performing at the football game Friday evening in Iraan.

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Tyler Barrientos, 7th grader, Luciano Alvarez, junior, and Josh Morales, senior, take a walk at the send-off Friday afternoon in front of Crane High School.

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Aaron Padilla, senior, with focused determination, delivers a crushing block against the Iraan Braves Friday evening.

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Brinlee Hill, J'Lynn Mintz, and Leyla Villegas perform during the halftime show Friday night in Iraan.

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Stephanie Santos, sophomore, plays her solo during the halftime show Friday evening in Iraan.

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Gary Ray Gutierrez, senior, snaps memorable photos of the Crane varsity football boys during the game against Iraan Friday evening.

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Crane Golden Crane football fans are in full support during the game Friday against the Iraan Braves in Iraan.

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Matthew Beardslee, junior, looks back at the pass Friday in Iraan while playing against the Braves.

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Hudson Willis, sophomore, looks down at the play sheet during the game in Iraan Friday night.

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The Crane Golden Cranes give it their all during the game against the Iraan Braves Friday Night.

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Syerra Lopez, senior, performs with the Crane High School band during the halftime show in Iraan Friday night.

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Head Coach Robert Ontiverioz gives Brayson Newberry, senior, some encouragement during the Iraan football game Friday.

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Paola Partida, freshman, puts on a spectacle during halftime Friday night against the Iraan Braves in Iraan.

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Brayden Todd, freshman, performs Friday night during the varsity football game halftime show in Iraan.

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Jio Murguia, junior, plays with the low brass section during the first movement at Friday night’s halftime show against the Iraan Braves.

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The band gets ready to play in Iraan Friday night.

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Gracin Huertas, senior, delivers a touchdown Friday afternoon during the football game against the Iraan Braves.

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Nataly Martinez, junior, performs during the halftime show Friday evening in Iraan.

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Gracin Huertas, senior, makes a play towards the end zone Friday night in Iraan.

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Coach Guy Barnett studies the field Friday in Iraan.

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Autum Flores, junior, fuels up the football players in Iraan Friday night.

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The tuba section gets ready to play for the halftime show in Iraan.

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The high school marching band lines up for their halftime show in Iraan.

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Tyler Lopez, eighth grader, captures a memory Friday night in Iraan while serving as a “roadie” for the marching band.

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Senior Brayson Newberry gets ready for the next play against the Iraan Braves Friday.

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The middle school roadies do their job during the halftime show in Iraan.

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Adam Mcguire, senior, goes for the hit against the Iraan Braves Friday evening in Iraan.

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Hudson Willis, sophomore, makes it past Iraan's linemen to gain yards in Iraan Friday night.

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Guillermo Partida, senior, prepares for the next play against the Iraan Braves Friday night.

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Ivan Moreno, senior, prepares to defend against the Iraan Braves Friday evening in Iraan.

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Under the Friday night lights in Iraan, sophomore QB Hudson Willis takes the snap with calm precision, ready to ignite the play.

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Determination is shown through Izayah Saucedo, senior, during warm-ups Friday as he prepares for the football game against the Braves.

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Aaron Padilla, senior, takes on the Braves to protect his quarterback Friday at the Braves Stadium.

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The Mighty Cranes take control of the ball while going against the Iraan Braves Friday.

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Dave Birdwell, secondary coach, has eyes full of intensity during the varsity football game against the Iraan Braves Friday in Iraan.

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Noah Guerrero, sophomore, is ready to stop the Braves from scoring at the Iraan game Friday night.

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Ariya Escobedo, sophomore, and Itzel Venegas, senior, refill water bottles at the football game Friday in Iraan.

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Robert Ontiveroz, head coach, checks the clock during the game against the Iraan Braves Friday night.

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Ivan Moreno, senior, puts a great move on the Iraan cornerback in Iraan Friday night.

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Brayson Newberry, senior, gives his teammates a talk on the field in Iraan Friday night.

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Bianka Alvarez, junior, drop-spins her flag during the send-off Friday afternoon in front of CHS.

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Alejandro Garcia, freshman, shows off his flag-flying skills during the Friday afternoon send-off in front of CHS.

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Lisa Bolton, color guard director, waves along with the school song Friday afternoon in front of Crane High School.

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Damien Hernandez, junior, blasts a brassy tune during the send-off for the varsity football team Friday afternoon in front of Crane High School.

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With determination on their faces, the Crane Varsity football team prepares for a showdown with Iraan Friday evening.

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Dasia Lee, seventh grader, marches with the Crane High School band Friday afternoon.

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Addysen Vincent, junior, is locked in during the send-off in front of Crane High School.

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Esor Carrasco, senior, shows off her skills during the send-off Friday afternoon in front of Crane High School.

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Kimberly Gomez, sophomore, adds a touch of class to the varsity football team's send-off with a beautiful flute performance Friday afternoon in front of Crane High School.

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Jacob Franco, sophomore, sends the varsity football team off to victory with an inspiring song in front of CHS Friday afternoon.

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The Crane High School mascot hypes up the crowd during the send-off Friday at Crane High School.

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Aly Hernandez, junior, flags her heart out during the send-off Friday afternoon in front of CHS.

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Diana Reyes, sophomore, cheers on the football players as they get ready for their game against the Iraan Braves Friday afternoon in front of Crane High School.

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Jordyn Orozco, senior, wishes the football team luck for their game against the Iraan Braves Friday during the send-off in front of Crane High School.

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Noah Garcia, senior, is in a playful, silly mood during the send-off in front of CHS Friday afternoon.