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— Gryphon's Roar —
Your news source for the Crystal Alumni Community | April 2025
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Alumni Board Corner - One Last Look
Before the Mansion’s Next Chapter
Recently, I picked up a book that reads like a love letter to swimming. In one chapter, the author writes about "awe." Awe experienced when you witness something "astonishing, greater than yourself, and ventilates." Several days after reading this passage, I arrived early to an empty Mansion. As I walked through the front entrance, the author's "awe" thesis rang through my ears and I flashed back to the moment I first walked through the building as a teen.
There was a sense of wonder, humility, privilege, maybe even fear, in my early days as a student at Crystal. Taking class in a Mansion and walking up stone stairs felt surreal for a student who had only known multi-story, multi-building campuses designed to accommodate large student bodies. The awe I felt, however, was triggered not just by the architecture, but by the inherent sense of being in the right place.
Over the next four years, my teachers would add to that "awe" and feeling of belonging: Mr. Wadleigh giddy with excitement (while lifting a lamp/water bottle as the Statue of LIberty); Mr. Garcia-Fulle allowing us to lounge on the third floor roof balcony while reading novellas; Mr. Weislogel, always patient, calming and witty, and inspiring Canterbury Tale-wannabe iambic pentameter creations. These memories are cemented in my mind as if I am still present in those moments. That is the gift of awe.
The book continues on about research at Stanford University and the University of Minnesota. Specifically, that the effects of awe are "striking beyond the moment," making us feel "more time rich, less impatient, more generous. It helps us to be our better selves."
My experiences as a student at Crystal helped and inspired me to be my better self. My awe started with a building, and expanded to classmates, friends, faculty, and staff.
As the Mansion closes its doors for renovation in June 2025, will you join me at a place that gifted us with transformative teachers and helped so many of us nurture and find our better selves? Come be inspired again by the Crystal community. I hope to celebrate this historic Reunion with as many of you as possible.
Please see below for information on how to register for Reunion 2025!
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Janice Law Wong ’99
Alumni Board President
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Alumni Happenings
Join us for these events!
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Join us for a night of celebration, connection,
and nostalgia at Crystal’s highly anticipated
Reunion on May 10!
This year’s reunion is extra special—it’s your last chance
to experience the historic Mansion
before its upcoming renovation.
Reconnect with old friends, enjoy delicious food
and drinks, and take part in special activities
like Mansion tours, class photos,
and Mansion Scavenger Hunt!
Don’t miss this unforgettable evening—secure your spot today!
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Congratulations to Dave Parsons ‘97,
our 2025 Alum of the Year!
Since 1995, Crystal’s Alumni Board has honored alumni who have made a meaningful impact in their profession, community, or in service to Crystal. Dave’s leadership and support—especially his efforts to build community through basketball—embody the spirit of this award.
Join us in celebrating Dave
at Reunion on May 10!
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Register early and reap the rewards:
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🍸 Register by May 1 and help your class have the signature cocktail or mocktail named in its honor at the event! The class with the most registrants by this date gets this ultimate bragging right!
- 🥂 The class with the highest attendance and the class with the highest giving total by May 9 at 10 am will each be invited to a special Leadership Toast with the Head of School just before Reunion.
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 Date: Saturday, May 10, 2025
 Location: Crystal's Upper School Mansion
 Time: 6 - 8 pm
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Reunion Celebrations
For class years (but all alumni are welcome!):
1960, 1965, 1970, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005,
2010, 2015, and 2020.
We also extend a special welcome to the Classes of 2021, 2022, 2023,
and 2024 to reconnect at Reunion!
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Optional Class Events
Many classes plan their own class-sponsored gatherings at private homes or restaurants after the main event or the night before, on Friday, May 9. If your class is planning a get-together and you need ideas, contact alumni@crystal.org for support.
Don’t miss this unforgettable night—and your final chance
to see the Mansion before its transformation!
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New! 🏆 Alumni Reunion Weekend Athletics – Join the Fun!
Calling all Crystal Alumni athletes! Whether you're lacing up your cleats or your sneakers, we’ve got two exciting opportunities to get back in the game during Reunion Weekend. Come reconnect, compete, and cheer each other on at our alumni baseball and basketball games!
⚾ Alumni Baseball Game - Friday, May 9 at 4:30 pm
Come see the current Gryphons take on 2005 NCS Champion Gryphons on May 9 at 4:30 pm at Sea Cloud Park, Field B8 – Foster City.
Bring your team spirit—and if you’re interested in playing if there’s an open position in this game or in a future alumni game, sign up in this Google Form.
🏀 Alumni Basketball Play – Saturday, May 10 at 8 am
Start Reunion Day with a little friendly competition! If you’re interested in playing basketball with fellow alums on Saturday, May 10 at 8 am at the Upper School gym (Gryphon Center), let us know by filling out this Google form.
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Meet Our ALUM-inaries!
Kelly Fischer '01
.png) Kelly Fischer '01 is an educator, entrepreneur, and global changemaker based in Kampala, Uganda, where she founded and directs Kampala Community International Preschool—the city’s first international preschool dedicated solely to early childhood education. With a focus on creating a nurturing, play-based environment, Kelly’s school serves a diverse community of families from 28 different countries, fostering an inclusive environment that celebrates cultural differences and inspires curiosity.
Crystal helped instill in Kelly an early awareness that the world is vast, diverse, and incredibly beautiful. A pivotal moment came during her sophomore year, when a school trip to England sparked a lifelong passion for global travel and cultural exchange. These formative experiences helped her realize the importance of diversity and cultural awareness in education, which is now a cornerstone of her preschool’s mission.
Kelly credits Crystal’s tight-knit community and rigorous academic expectations with fostering confidence, discipline, and resilience—qualities she applies daily in her work as both an educator and an entrepreneur. After founding Kampala Community International Preschool, she encountered the challenges of advocating for play-based learning and early childhood education, but her Crystal-honed resilience and determination allowed her to overcome these obstacles. Today, Kelly continues to nurture the next generation of learners, building a thriving, multicultural community where children from all walks of life can grow and succeed.
Clockwise from upper left: Kelly and her husband, Joel, visiting the Kenyan coast; outdoor learning environment at KCIP; Kelly and Joel on safari at Tsavo National Park, Kenya; additional view of the outdoor learning environment at KCIP.
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Crystal Happenings
You're Invited! A Weekend of Inspiration
at the Fine Arts Festival!
Friday, May 2-3
Get ready to witness the incredible talent brewing right here at Crystal! We are thrilled to invite all Crystal families, students, PAC, alumni, and community members to our annual Fine Arts Festival on Friday, May 2-3, at the US Campus. This year's Festival promises to be an unforgettable showcase of the diverse artistic expressions of our students. From captivating visual arts to mesmerizing performances, you'll be amazed by the creativity and passion on display. Come and celebrate the hard work and dedication of our young artists!
Schedule of Fine Arts Festival Events
Friday, May 2, 5-8:30 pm
- 5-5:45 pm: MS Evening of Dance
- 6 pm: MS and US Gallery Opening
- 7-8:30 pm: US Evening of Dance
Saturday, May 3, 1-7 pm
- 12-6 pm: Food Trucks (Mr. Softee, Chicken and Waffles, Tacos)
- 1-3 pm: MS Musical Concert at the US Theater
- 3-3:30 pm: US Acting
- 3:30-4 pm: MS Slapstick
- 4-4:30 pm: MS Pop, Rock, & Jazz
- 4:30-5:30 pm: US Madrigals
- 6-7:30 pm: US Instrumentals
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Middle School Students Shine Bright
in Oliver! Jr.
The Upper School Eric Bovet Theater came alive as Middle School students wowed audiences with their performance of Oliver! Jr. Under the direction of Michelle Berti and Lucca Troutman, with choreography by Yeni Lucero, the stage was transformed into Victorian London, thanks to the hard work of the Crü.
Keenan L ’30 brought heart and depth to the title role, moving the audience with his rendition of “Where Is Love?” Nathan S ’29 gave a chilling performance as Bill Sikes, while Sahana C ’29 delivered a powerful and emotional portrayal of Nancy. Ellie L ’29 charmed as the Artful Dodger, and Claire W ’29 impressed as the cunning yet endearing Fagin.
From spirited ensemble scenes to standout musical numbers, the entire cast and crew shone with talent and enthusiasm. Bravo to all for a remarkable and unforgettable show!
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Know an Alum Who Would Be
a Great Leader?
Do you know a Crystal alum who would be a great leader? Or are you looking for a meaningful way to stay connected and give back? We’re seeking nominations for the Crystal Alumni Board!
As an Alumni Board member, you’ll:
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✅ Strengthen connections with fellow Crystal alumni and the school
✅ Help shape alumni events, programs, and initiatives
✅ Support current students through mentorship and engagement
✅ Gain leadership experience and expand your network
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Great Alumni Board members:
✅ Have a strong network within the alumni community
✅ Are enthusiastic about keeping alumni connected to Crystal
✅ Are eager to support current students through mentorship and outreach
✅ Bring fresh ideas and energy to alumni events and engagement efforts
✅ Want to give back to the school in a meaningful way
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Nominate a fellow alum—or yourself!—for this rewarding opportunity. Submit nominations by May 6 using this Google Form.
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Crystal is Hiring!
Calling all alumni! Crystal is looking for passionate individuals to join our dynamic team! Whether you graduated recently or years ago, we invite you to come back and make a meaningful impact on Crystal by joining the Professional Adult Community (PAC).
Open positions as of April 29:
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Varsity Baseball Assistant Coach
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Girls Lacrosse Assistant Coach
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Track and Field Assistant Coach
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Assistant Athletic Trainer
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US Computer and Data Science Teacher
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Director of Finance
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US English Teacher
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Chief Culture and Inclusion Officer
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Director of Human Resources
- US Biology Teacher
Check out Crystal’s website for more information.
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Updated Information?
Be sure to keep us updated if you have a new address, name, phone and/or email address. Click here to submit any updates with your information! |
Gryphon Roar en español
Send us your thanks, congratulations, comments, queries, content ideas, photos and videos to alumni@crystal.org. |
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Crystal Springs Uplands School ®
Middle School: 10 Davis Drive | Belmont, CA 94002
Upper School: 400 Uplands Drive | Hillsborough, CA 94010
(650) 342-4175
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