1 minute read
The Privilege of a Crescent Education
Brian Smith ’56 returned to Crescent recently, 66 years after graduating. It was his first visit since his grandson, Jonah Minerson ’24, arrived in Grade 9. On a tour led by Jonah, Smith reflected on his time at the Dentonia campus many years ago. “My mother thought I needed discipline, so she sent me to Crescent,” says Smith. Family tragedy likely played a role in her decision. His father was a World War II bomber pilot who was killed in combat. Smith started in kindergarten just before his fifth birthday, graduating from Grade 9 in 1956.
By all accounts, Smith thrived at the school. An avid sports player, he was awarded Sportsman of the Year in 1956. He was also Head Boy two years in a row. “The staff appointed me,” says Smith, noting that students didn’t run for the po- sition back then. In 1955–1956, the school introduced a Grade 9 class (it only lasted one year). As the incumbent, Smith remained Head Boy by acclamation.
Smith is delighted that Jonah continues in his grandfather’s footsteps. “Jonah's getting a fantastic education, as well as all the non-academic elements that come along with it in terms of personal development,” says Smith. “I think that is as important as education these days.”
While many things have changed since Smith attended Crescent, much remains the same. “It’s a privilege to have the kind of education that I had and that Crescent students have today,” he says. “With that comes a lot of responsibility to pay back to the broader society and make it a better place for everyone.”