The fall festival is an annual event that provides hours of fun for those who stop by. Those who participate also have tons of fun just setting everything up and getting ready to make yet another successful event for the Crane community. 

Someone who loved helping out was Linda Contreras, CES Principal, who played a big role in helping make the event a success. 

“This event is great for the community! Everyone always loves it, students and parents wear their costumes, and the community comes together to make it an amazing event.”

The fall festival has been around for years, and it has been successful every year.

Contreras said that she has enjoyed the event ever since her own kids were in elementary.

“When my own kids were in elementary, I would volunteer to work the booths. Then, when I became a teacher (way back then), I continued to volunteer. Now, as an administrator, I love helping and being a part of the Fall Festival.”

Preparing for such a big event can be stressful, but Contreras said it’s all worth it in the end. 

“PTSA put in a lot of their time to prepare for the Fall Festival. This year, we had a great turn out--more than last year. It was good to see a lot of families come out to support PTSA.”

It means a lot to all the volunteers who put in so much work to see everyone show up and enjoy such events.

“I really do love seeing students, parents, CISD, different agencies, and the community coming out to support our events,” Contreras said.

Arianna Escobedo, junior, also dedicated her time and effort to help out the fifth-graders’ fundraiser so all of Crane could enjoy. 

“I was happy to help, so it could be as stress-less as possible!” Escobedo said. 

Arianna enjoyed spending her Saturday evening surrounded with kids.

“I was helping at the bouncy house, at first it was a little chaotic because the kids just wanted to keep jumping when they’re time was up, but after a while I got it under control and everything went smoothly.” 

Many members of the community dressed up in creative costumes, showing off their Halloween spirit!

Escobedo was one of the many people to dress up, and she decided to dress up as a cute witch.

“It was a last-minute decision,” Escobedo said. “I originally had a matching costume with one of my friends, but the shoes that made the whole costume cohesive didn’t arrive in time, so I had to come up with something else to wear.” 

If you see the PSTA members, don’t forget to thank them for all the hours they put in over the past few weeks. 

The festival will be around for years to come, so don’t miss the opportunity to visit and recognize all the hard work Crane volunteers put in to make it enjoyable! See ya next year!

Tarin has known his solo for quite some time now.

“The solo was fairly simple to learn,” he said. “I learned how to play it my freshman year, so it’s been some time.”

Tarin was thrilled when he had the chance to perform at the pep rally.

“My main thought leading up to the solo was to not mess up. But as soon as I played the first note, I knew I was gonna do great!”

Tarin has high hopes for the next soloist.

“The decision of who gets the solo is not up to me. But, what I can say is that I'm sure no matter who does it will play it just fine.”

Train’s favorite part of music is performing.

“I like being able to perform after all the hard work and hours I put into practice. It is such an accomplishment to see all the hard work pay off in the end.”

In the future Train plans on pursuing a different career than music, however.

“As much as I enjoy playing trombone, I doubt I'll continue to play after high school. However, I might occasionally play, though.”

Tarin has certainly left his mark at Crane High School. He is not only involved in band but also is currently participating in football. He has been a part of the band for seven years now.  

The Tarin Machine will forever hold a legacy at Crane High School.

Unfortunately, their arrival is the catalyst for terrible events taking place as Sydney accidentally unleashes the spirit of Stingy Jack, a man who centuries earlier was hanged to death for his crimes.

Jack’s return is bad news for both Sydney and the town’s residents, but the plucky young teen manages to put an end to the madness she causes by capturing his ghost with the help of her initially sceptical dad.

But at the end of the movie, just when Sydney and Howard think normality has been restored, the pair make a shocking discovery in their home’s attic. This could signify more trouble for the town of Bridge Hollow and potentially another movie if Netflix decides to green-light a sequel

Overall, I give this movie 3 out of 5 Golden Cranes. It’s nothing too special, but if you’re looking for a simple movie to get into the Halloween spirit, then I recommend, “The Curse of Bridge Hollow.”

As a senior, I always feel the adrenaline kick in as we gather on the sidelines for our band performances. But for our last performance in a glow-in-the-dark theme, I felt almost relieved.

To have our hard work and dedication appreciated by having the community applaud in amazement felt surreal to say the least. We never imagined feeling this proud about putting on a performance this much until now. 

A lot of seniors shared the same sentiment, and many wanted to share their thoughts.

Aden Vincent, senior, said he will always remember his experience in band.

“Band will be a time that I will always remember, and I'm sad that I will never be able to do it again. Band is something I love and will continue to love for the rest of my life.”

Even though many were excited to perform for a final time, Vincent had mixed emotions about leaving the Crane Band. 

“I was feeling surprisingly sad. I never thought that I would feel as emotional as I did preforming for the last time. But it was worth it though, and I got to experience something that I will remember for the rest of my life.”

Through the emotion and tears, most felt that the performance was a success.

“The glow-in-the-dark performance was amazing. It was neat that this was how it was for the last time I ever get to perform in a show. I will always look back on it with a smile,” said Vincent. 

Performing in the band for Crane High School will always be an honor and a fond memory to look back on. Almost everyone who graduates comes back for support, and the younger kids aspire to perform the way our band does. 

The band inspires, changes lives, lifts up many and brings people together. The Crane High School Band is a band that will never lose its shine. 

“I was the student council sponsor at the time and wanted to find a fun and different fundraiser for our organization. I searched pinterest and found someone had made ghosts out of suckers for their class. That’s how it all started.”

 

The ghost grams became so popular to both teachers and students that it has become an annual thing. 

“One year, I thought about not doing them but then we were asked repeatedly if we were going to have ghost grams that year. So, I decided it must be something that students and adults enjoy, so I kept them going.”

When asked how successful it was this year, Anderson said it went really well.

“This year, we sold around 2,000 ghost grams and made about $1,700.”

Anderson mentioned how she has changed the organizations she sponsors over the years, but even so, ghost grams have stuck with her. 

“Over the years, I have changed organizations that I sponsor but have continued to use ghost grams as a fundraiser.”

As the NHS sponsor this year, the funds raised will go towards something fun for the NHS students.

“We will use it to go on an NHS trip at the end of the year and to buy NHS shirts.”

Omar Reynoso, senior, mentioned how he’s been in NHS for a year and has had fun making the ghost grams. 

“All the members in NHS run the ghost gram fundraiser. We do all the work from giving out papers, collecting money, sorting out grade levels and classrooms, to making the ghost grams themselves, which can take a lot of hours of work.”

Reynoso mentioned how his favorite part of the ghost gram fundraiser is actually making the ghost grams themselves and helping to earn money.

“I personally have fun while making ghost grams because you can personalize the faces you put on them. Additionally, I love knowing that I am helping to earn money towards the NHS program.”

The ghost grams consist of a tissue wrapped around a Blow Pop so that it resembles a ghost. Blow Pops are chewy bubble gum suckers that consist of many different flavors. 

Next year, during Halloween, remember to buy your friend or a loved one a ghost gram and remind them how special they are to you. 

Article by Arianna Escobedo 

At the beginning of summer cross country practice, I set goals for myself to break a personal record by running 12 minutes in the two-mile and making it to state individually and as a team.

As soon as the season started, my times were a minute slower than last year. I started off as the fourth runner on the team. This caused me to get in my head and not give my full effort during my races. At the beginning of every race, I would run at a slow pace because I feared not having enough energy for the last 100m. This turned into a habit that I thought was unfixable. 

My mental blocks kept building up throughout the season until my last race before the district meet. I knew that during my final “fun” race, I had to go out there and give it my all. Before the race, I told myself that I was going to get out of my comfort zone and push myself to stay with a Compass girl. I stayed with her until the last straight away and ended up placing one spot ahead of her. I broke my personal record from last year's state meet by one second. This helped me build confidence within myself and break out of my comfort zone. 

Before the district meet, my family gave me a speech about how I am capable of placing in the top five. This had a huge impact on my mindset and gave me the motivation to run my race. 

As I was running the district race, I started off stronger than before, ending up in the mid-front of the pack. I was playing a mental game and knew other girls’ strategies from previous races. My goal was to stay with girls around my time and push myself even harder before the end. 

Fortunately, I was able to achieve my goals and place fourth with a personal record of 12:20. This gave me a wake-up call because I realized that I had a slight chance of making it to state individually. In my head, I doubted myself from seeing the times of the other girls in my region. I told myself that as long as I try my best and give it my all on the course, I would be proud of myself. 

As I prepared for the regional meet, I began to feel nervous and ready at the same. Before the race, Jack prayed over me and the rest of the team to run safely and with God. This helped me because I felt like God was watching over me and giving me strength to do my best. As the race began, I knew to get out quickly before getting trapped in the pack. I felt like a fish trapped in a net because after every turn I took, girls trapped me in. 

After breaking out of the pack, I pushed myself further up in the front. I set a steady pace and felt a little more confident until three of the girls who made the top 15 from last year strode up beside me.

I started to panic because a gap started to form as they crossed the bridge, and my legs and toes started to ache from the numbness. My head started spinning from questioning whether I should close the gap by pushing my way in front of them or play it safe behind them. I chose to stay behind them and then gradually made my way in front. At the last 800 meters, I heard my coaches yelling at me to start going. As I pumped my arms and fixed my form, I felt a difference in my pace. Girls were slowing down and speeding up left and right, fighting for a spot at state. The last 100 meters came around, and people gathered around the straight away. 

As I raced towards the finish line, a girl full-on sprinted past me. I was in shock and began focusing on the number of people she was passing as I slowly made my way to the finish line. I collapsed on the floor, ignoring the helpers telling me to stand up. My legs felt weak and tight as the cold air hit them. I soon got up to congratulate every runner and walked towards my mom.

My team finished and we hugged, knowing this was the last race with our seniors. After finding out that I made it individually, I felt happy for myself for achieving my goals, but at the same time I was just sad that it was the last of my season with the entire team.

I am very thankful for my coaches, family, and friends for supporting me and helping me grow as a runner. I plan on running my best this Saturday in Round Rock!

How long have you been in education: Three years (One year as a Special Ed Para for CES & CMS, One year as the Physics Proctor for CHS, and current year in my current position).

Where were you at before Crane: I lived in San Angelo while working for a Catholic Church. 

What do you do for fun: Spend time with friends and family. My nephews keep me pretty busy.

What do you like most about working in education: I am able to give back to my school and help us grow as a school district. I also love being able to help our Golden Cranes and Ladybirds Spread Far Their Fame!

How many siblings do you have: Biological Siblings, 3: Daniel (33), Demetrius (26), and Destinie (22). Adopted Siblings, 2: Bethany (17) and Brayden (12).

What is one of you hidden talents: I don't have any hidden talents but I can play any low brass instrument.

Children/Grand Children: I don't have any children but do have two nephews, Elliott Ray (3) and Weston Blake (4 months).

Do you have any pets? If so, what types of pets and what are their names?: No pets for me. 

What is your dream vacation: I would love to go to Mykonos during the summer. 

What are your “trapped on a desert island” books or movies: I have to admit that reading isn't my favorite, but both Sister Act movies and The Golden Girls TV Series!

If you won the lottery and decided to give up working in education, what would you do instead: I would feel like I would still stay in education, but more in the music education world. Just not in a full-time position.

What would the students be surprised to find out about you: That the Todd Family took me in when I was a senior in high school. 

SCHOOL EVENTS

Veterans Day Assembly: Friday Nov. 11, 9 AM
Where: CHS Auditorium

State XC Championship
When: Saturday, Nov. 5

Where: Old Settlers Park, Round Rock, TX

Staff Development/ NO SCHOOL
When: Nov. 7

NHS Induction Ceremony
When: Nov. 10, 6:00-7:30 PM
Where: Crane High School SUR

Playoff Game
When: Friday, Nov. 11, 7 PM
Where: San Angelo TLCA, Lamesa 

The counselor at Crane High School, Dana Rizo, and the counselor’s secretary, Donna Lee, have taken the responsibility of gathering all of the information and assembling the brag tags, which will be placed on the locker of the corresponding senior. 

The brag tags contain different decals based on what they have achieved. 

Rizo said that most of the information for the senior brag tags is found in their computer databases, like the various test scores needed for College Readiness. However, some of the items are from word of mouth, such as college acceptance. 

“We try to work closely with the seniors and encourage them to stay in touch with us in the counseling office so we can help them as they prepare for life after high school,” Rizo said. “As the seniors are in and out of our offices, they let us know exciting things, like where they applied, where they are accepted, which scholarships they have applied for, and which scholarships they have been given.”

Moreover, Rizo said that the goal of the brag tags is to bring attention to all of these items that are good for all seniors to be working on for life after high school. She added that students need to be preparing for either a career, college, or considering the military, and these brag tags focus on the students' accomplishments towards that. 

Rizo said that the school also wants lower classmen to notice these senior lockers, and to realize that their turn is coming soon. 

“These milestones are good for all students to be working towards for graduation.”

The counselor’s office is known to help students who are preparing for college, and Rizo said that her office meets with students and parents about college options, sends transcripts, helps with applications, including editing, and signs students up for required tests like the TSIA2 and SAT. Additionally, they disperse scholarship information and write reference letters, but overall, you name it and they do it. 

Rizo added that there are many steps required in college planning, and they try to help out in any way they can.

Donna Lee said that though much of it was a collaborative effort, the seed of it somewhat began with Rachel Gerig, CHS assistant principal. She and Hector Limon, CHS principal, wanted to take pictures of those seniors who had been accepted to a college and then post the picture on several social media sites. 

“Gerig discussed with me about maybe making some posters to put up in the hall, hoping to encourage others,” said Lee. “As Mrs. Rizo and I were brainstorming about the posters, she came up with the idea of the ‘brag tags.’”

Lee said others could see what some have already accomplished, and it might encourage or remind them to take care of those things for themselves.

A senior must "earn" a locker, and if they have accomplished any one on the list of brag tags, they will then get their name on a locker and that tag will be added. 

The list of brag tags that are available is as follows:

Lee said that work was done to find a logo or create a design that would represent each task. Crane ISD is hoping to help encourage each senior to be as prepared as possible for whatever their next step will be—whether it be college, technical school, some career field, or the military.

Lucas Rizo, a current senior at Crane High School, said that when he saw the brag tags on his locker, he felt proud of what he has accomplished in his high school career. He added that he hopes to continue adding on to his locker list of accomplishments. 

“I think the brag tags really show all of my merits that I earned through high school and all of my hard work,” he said.

Stop by the counselors office anytime if you have any questions in preparation for college. Make sure to look at all of the lockers on the first floor of the high school, and maybe even congratulate a senior in person for all of their hard work!

On Nov. 1, Spaniards celebrate what is called “Día de todos los Santos” (day of all the saints). Leading up to it, a different saint is recognized each day, and when there is an important one—like the patron of a city—people get a day off of work and school so that the Spanish people can celebrate them. However, because of the non-Christian origin of the holiday, this holiday is not recognized by the Catholic Church.

After participants have celebrated the saints, they travel to the graveyard to pay their respects to their death familiars. Unlike Mexico, where they put a lot of orange and other-colored flowers on the graves, and also place many different objects all over the place, it is a much more subdued event in Spain. In Spain, Spaniards place some somber-colored flowers at the top of the tombs that are usually much bigger than those placed by Mexican Hispanics; there, people usually spend a couple hours praying or talking quietly to the other familiars who have come to visit the grave of the dead.

In this tradition, the Mexicans use the vibrant colors of the flowers and objects as a symbol of life and family, and the Spanish use the gray-colored flowers and objects as a symbol of the memories of those who have passed on to the other side of the grave.

There is much to be said about both methods of celebrating this holiday. But at the end of the day, both are very similar and very different at the same time. For most on the outside looking in, the traditions look the same until they really see them and start to understand that the world is full of diversity. With this in mind, learning and appreciating others’ cultures is very important and respectful.

In short, the Day of the Dead is much more than merely an Hispanic form of Halloween. It is rich with culture and beautiful in many ways.

The Crane JV Lady Birds had their first scrimmage against the Fort Stockton Lady Panthers in Fort Stockton on Halloween.

Even though the season is just getting started, the girls have already put in so much work. 

This year, the “Lady Bird ballers” have been introduced to a new head coach, Coach Chris Tibbets! 

“Our team motto this year is, ‘Hard work pays off.’”

“Coach Tibbs” isn’t joking around, either. He’s made his players put in work during the morning, at lunch, during the athletic period and after school! 

Freshman, Shae Coates, explained why this year is different from the past years she’s played basketball. 

 

“This season is different for my team and I. For the fifth year in a row, we have yet another new head girls basketball coach.”

Despite having to get to know a new coach and new approach, Coates said she and the girls are off to a great start.

“I think, with our situation, we are starting off well. We all are getting to know each other, coaches included, and I think by the end of the season, if we work hard together, it will turn out amazing.”

Coates said it’s a huge, but great, change to learn how to switch from middle school sports to high school sports. 

“For my first year of high school basketball, I’m very excited. Basketball is one of my favorite sports, and to go from middle school, where it’s not as serious, to high school, it’s definitely a change. I get to play with upperclassmen, learn more, and even play more basketball. This season, I’m very, very eager to grow and learn as a freshman.”

Freshman, Mariah Aranda, said that she and her team are already adjusting great and improving. 

“Starting new sports and adjusting from one to another is always a little rocky and takes some getting used to. But I think we’re adjusting great and fast. We are all getting closer and getting to know each other more. We’re learning everyone’s talents, personalities and overall just learning about each other. I think that by the end of the season all the hard work we are putting in is going to be worth it. We are going to be able to see so much improvement.”

Aranda says basketball has always been very important to her and thinks the team will come together to do great things. 

“Basketball, to me, has always been something I have enjoyed. I am excited for the season and the friendships that are being built. We are improving and ready for everything that’s going to come our way.”

We are so excited to see what’s in store this season! Come on out and support the Lady Birds basketball program as their season officially begins soon.

Stay tuned!

Both teams were head-to-head most of the time, leaving the crowd tense after every point. However, the Lady Birds won the first, third and fourth set, knocking out the Bulldogs and advancing to the next round of playoffs.

Brad Pettit, journalism teacher for CHS, was in the crowd that night. He said that the Lady Birds played with a lot of heart and emotion.

“It was good to see the ladies communicating and working hard consistently throughout the game,” he said. “They really showed up and seemed ready to knock out the Bulldogs. I was certainly on the edge of my seat the whole time.”

The Lady Birds were pumped up to be Bi-District Champs. 

Junior, Makenna Willis, explained how not only did she feel thrilled knowing that they were advancing to the second round of the playoffs, but she was extremely proud of how well the team pushed themselves. 

When asked what she was thinking throughout the game, Willis said she was pretty confident. 

“I wasn’t ever too nervous because we had been working up to this moment for so long.”

Willis stated that after the win she was thoroughly relieved that it was all over.

“I felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders,” she said. “We have been working so hard since April, so it felt so good.” 

Willis said she knew the team would do great and felt confident for their next game. 

“Yes, I am very confident in my team! I know we are going to upset Bushland and get this dub.” 

Come out and support the Bi-District Champs Saturday as they dive deeper into the playoffs. They’ll be playing Bushland in Post at 3 P.M. 

To quote Wild Bill, Crane’s unofficial mascot: “Go, Lady Birds!”