Story and photo by Kobe Walker

El Ave News staff writer

She is a warm, helpful, and approachable presence in Crane High School. When she walks down the hallway, she greets those she meets with a smile and pat on the back. She loves the students of CHS.

Her dedication to student safety and well-being is unwavering. She goes out of her way to ensure that all students are protected and secure, which stems from her background as a former English teacher. This experience has shaped her daily approach to leadership and care.

I caught up with her as she was making sure every door was secure and that all the classrooms were locked and safe. I sat down with her in her office, and she gave me her philosophy on education, why she got into this field in the first place, and what her short- and long-term goals for CHS are going forward.

Q1: How does your teaching experience inform your leadership?
Teaching has profoundly influenced my leadership. It taught me the importance of leadership in the success of a school. We all lead in some way, making decisions daily that impact others. I believe that compassion and understanding are essential qualities that help us all succeed.

Q2: What is your perspective on fostering strong literacy?
Literacy is the key to success in any society. It’s essential for effective communication within our culture and surroundings.

Q3: How do you create a positive learning environment for students and staff?
A positive school culture and a desire for learning are vital. When students feel safe and free to learn, their potential is limitless.

Q4: Can you share how your background as an English teacher has provided insight into challenges you’ve faced as a principal?
My experience as an English teacher has offered valuable insights into school improvement. To succeed, reading and writing must be prioritized for everyone—teachers and students alike. Clear communication is crucial for predicting and enhancing student success. Strategies that boost literacy across all subjects have consistently improved student outcomes.

Q5: How does your English background influence your leadership approach, especially regarding literacy and communication?
Studying English gives us insight into the world we live in. It helps us navigate emotions, society, relationships, and future aspirations. Learning about people and behavior through reading and writing has shaped me both personally and professionally.

Q6: How do you support your staff’s professional development, drawing from your own experience as an educator?
I believe that everyone is a lifelong learner. Sharing experiences and lessons helps foster empathy. Leading with compassion and trust encourages growth and development among staff.

Q7: What strategies do you use to cultivate a positive, collaborative environment?
Effective communication and collaboration are key. Celebrating small wins and preparing for larger successes help build a strong school climate.

Q8: Do you enjoy being a principal?
Absolutely. Watching students grow and prepare for the future is truly rewarding.

Q9: Do you miss being an English teacher?
Sometimes I do miss it. When students realize how reading and writing can help them in life or grasp a valuable lesson through literature, it’s a special moment that fosters growth with fewer struggles.

Q10: What motivated you to become a principal?
I loved teaching so much that I wanted to impact more lives. Becoming a principal allowed me to support others on a larger scale.

Q11: What are the biggest challenges facing your school community today, and how are you addressing them?
One challenge is addressing kindness and respect among students. We work on this daily, organizing assemblies and inviting speakers who promote positivity, demonstrating that kindness is the best path forward.

Transitioning from being an English teacher to a principal is a significant change, but Mrs. Gerig has embraced it successfully, demonstrating dedication and effective leadership. If you see her giving pats on the back in the hallway, perhaps you should consider giving her a pat on the back as well for a job well-done!

El Ave News contributor

Photo by Lexi Dominguez

El Ave News staff writer

The Crane Ladybirds showed heart and determination on the court Saturday, battling through three competitive sets against the Compass Lady Cougars. Though they ultimately fell short, the effort and energy they brought to the match demonstrated the team's fight.  

Match Highlights:

Net Defense: Brinlee Hill and Brooklyn Gryder each recorded a total block. 

Back Row: Lexiana Rodriguez and Alondra Moreno anchored the defense with nine digs each. 

Offense: Ivory Velasco led the attack with seven kills, while Maddie Abalos orchestrated the offense with 12 assists. Ava Navarrete contributed five kills. 

Serving: Four players served at 100% efficiency: Maddie Abalos, Lexiana Rodriguez, Alondra Moreno, and Ava Navarrete, who all recorded one ace each.  

The Ladybirds will look to bounce back in the second half of district play, building on the relentless effort shown.

Story by Lauren Rubio

El Ave News contributor

Photo by Lexi Dominguez

El Ave News staff writer

The Crane Ladybirds fell to Coahoma in a four-set district match Tuesday, losing 1-3. The final set scores were 16-25, 25-19, 16-25, and 17-25.

The team's strongest performance came in their second-set victory, 25-19. During that frame, Crane posted its best hitting percentage of the night and tallied a match-high 20 digs. Another bright spot for the team was its serving in the third set, where they achieved a 93.8% success rate.

Despite the loss, several players delivered standout performances.

Serving: Setter Maddie Abalos was perfect from the service line, landing all 19 of her serves for a 100% success rate while scoring 2 aces. Ava Navarrete also added 2 aces on an impressive 92.3% serving clip.

Offense: Navarrete led the charge with a team-high 12 kills. Ivory Velasco provided the most efficient attack with 15 digs and 7 kills. Abalos orchestrated the offense, finishing the match with 27 assists.

Defense: Velasco led the back row with 15 digs, while Abalos contributed 13. At the net, Brooklyn Gryder and Navarrete each recorded two block assists to lead the team.

By Coach Machele Pahl

El Ave News contributor

Crane XC dominated in the district 3-3A XC Championship. Both boys and girls qualified for regionals. The boys ended the day at 1st place, and the girls finished in 3rd.

Placements:

Steven Lozano-2nd🥈

Ivan Martinez-3rd🥉

Josh Morales-4th

Luciano Alvarez-9th