194 Community members gathered to support the mission of the Crossing School on the Campus located one mile east of Frankfort on 28.
The Crossing School model started statewide 20 years ago in 2003 and now serves 10 communities throughout Indiana. The Crossing School stresses individually patterned learning, based on a faith-based atmosphere rolled out to community business partners. This approach supports educational, spiritual and financial growth of each individual student. The Crossing concept in Clinton County has a 95% graduation success rate.
Crossing Mission Statement: “Empowering struggling students to be contributing members of their communities through academics, job training, and faith-based character education”
At the beginning of the Crossing school year, site director Marissa Mills resigned to accept an offer with Bethel University in Mishawaka, Indiana. Board President Susan Kaspar opened the banquet with a welcome and observation that Marissa’s strong contribution and footprint on the Campus included the core value of determination and strong faith…and that Marissa herself said the Crossing was not built on her presence but on faith in the Crossing’s Christian foundation. Kaspar thanked the efforts of Zach Golden, current site administrator, and all the efforts of faculty and staff as they continue to successfully fulfill the values and mission of the Crossing.
Pledge of Allegiance was led by student Marie Hughes and opening prayer was given by Crossing Student Tyler Brant.
Clinton Prairie Principal, Kirsten Clark, spoke to the gathering about the unique personalized learning approach taken by the Crossing. Kirsten praised the Crossing for its wholistic approach to development, teaching critical life skills with a well-rounded encouraging approach that is safe for the student and allows them to take risks. Kirsten also thanked the Crossing for its “Legacy of Excellence”.
One of the key elements that prepare Crossing students for life is its unique Business Partnership Plan. OPE Dog Salon owner AJ Roberts gave several examples of how the student-business model was ideal for the student and the business. 13 or 14 Crossing students not only helped her business become more profitable, but the responsibilities and lessons learned by the student on task led to obvious growth within the participating student. Roberts encouraged business owners to let the students into the business and both will profit from the experience. “Students need someone to invest in them”, said Roberts. “It is the responsibility of the community to give them more than your wallet. Give them time”
Each year at the banquet, the school tries to highlight a “Student Story”. This year, Kianna Golden described her journey at the crossing that “Opened her heart” through open sincere discussions at “family time” at the end of each school day and enduring lessons and memories of her mission trip to El Salvador sponsored by the Crossing School supporters. At the Crossing “We would talk about real life. Family problems, God…with no pressure and no facade.” When M.C. Shan Sheridan asked Golden if there was a “moment the light came on” Kianna said it was probably when she felt “more cared about”. She reflected with Shan Sheridan there was no way two years ago she could imagine speaking so openly to such a large group without her Crossing experience.
MC of the banquet, Shan Sheridan reminded the audience that at the Crossing, “teaching is not a job..it is a calling. Administration is not a job. It is a calling”.
The Crossing School must rely on non-taxpayer funding for the education of many of its students. The Crossing hopes to fill in this financial gap with $50,000 raised at Tuesday night’s banquet.
The banquet was catered by Angry Donkey
