Nate Crandall – Blackridge Elementary

Feb 16, 2016, 9:22 PM | Updated: Jan 30, 2024, 10:33 am

...

When I got out of fourth grade I began to think school was boring. When I got into fifth grade, I got Mr. Crandall. He changed everything about our day. Science used to be a subject often set aside. It was my favorite subject, though. He loved it, and he would help us with science. Science became regular. For the record, he changed my life. I finally had a person that I could lean on. At this time, he was teaching at Hidden Hollow. I had a rough time with math, and he helped me. I got to the science fair, and I give him some credit. Most of my class did not care to go to the next level, but I think Mr. Crandall did and that he loved all of his students.

One day, a rumor went around that he was leaving and going to St. George. All of his students, including me, were just hoping it was not true. We all were holding our breaths and he did say it was not official. We all had to wait until the last day of school to find out. All day we were begging him to tell us, but not yet would he tell. At that time, I think we all knew he was going. But we kept hope. We heard the music go on and he took us into the hall. He disappeared, and all of our fears became reality. I knew he was practically gone. The parade is for all 6th graders who graduate and teachers who will be leaving us. All the girls in our class were in tears, and the whole class gathered around him as he went by.

We had a very good teacher, and over the summer something went wrong and he didn’t go. I found out that he came back, and was too late. Mr. Tillman, our principal tried to get a 4th grade position. He was not able to get it, and he turned to Blackridge Elementary. I really am glad they saved his job. This year is the first without him. We tried to convince him to not go. It did not work. He was my best teacher so far. He taught me to just try, and I may succeed. He is now at Blackridge and is the 5th and 6th grade teacher. He is also one of the student council leaders. My best friend goes to Blackridge, and she is the president of the student council. Ask my classmates, they will say he is one of the best, at least. If I could do anything for him, it would be this. Thank you!

–Josh Stone

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

...

Emily Ashmead

Shawna Blamires, Mt view Jr high

​”Shawna Blamires embodies the true spirit of selflessness, excellence, and dedication. As a math teacher at Mountain View Junior High, she works endlessly to support her students and create a positive, engaging learning environment every day. Beyond her outstanding commitment in the classroom, she demonstrated the ultimate form of compassion and courage five years ago […]

10 days ago

Emily Ashmead

Lisa Peterson, William Penn Elementary

“Lisa Peterson is a reading specialist /coach at William Penn Elementary. She is responsible for helping students with their reading skills so they can become more proficient readers and learners. She organizes reading groups for students to be taught by her and para educators, and focuses on individual needs and growth. Lisa also works with […]

11 days ago

Emily Ashmead

Drew Talbot, Pleasant Grove Junior High School

“Mr Talbot was a student teacher for history who we loved so much our school gave him a permanent job as a guided studies teacher he’s so incredible cause he always enjoyed being a teacher and was so animated when teaching he would explain all to us and made our ideas and questions valued. He […]

11 days ago

Emily Ashmead

Courtney Austin, Legacy

“Courtney’s amazing teacher in every way we understand each of our students needs and adjust them. She also was a great support to her team and helps them even throughout the summer. He’s a great teacher and coworker. Please pick her.” -April Young About Teacher Features on KSL NewsRadio Teachers are the backbone of our […]

22 days ago

Emily Ashmead

Angela Burke, Sand Springs Elementary

“Mrs. Burke is an exceptional fourth-grade teacher who truly makes a difference in the lives of her students. She creates a classroom where every child feels welcomed, supported, and encouraged to do their very best. Her kindness, patience, and dedication shine through in everything she does. She goes above and beyond to help her students […]

25 days ago

...

Emily Ashmead

Julie Frank, Home/OpenEd

“I am nominating my incredible mom, Julie! She homeschools me along with my two other siblings. She is the best teacher who sacrifices so much for us. She also works at OpenEd, where she helps lots of other students and their families. She makes sure they are taken care of and learning too. My mom […]

25 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Whether you are chasing pristine beaches, fresh raspberry shakes, or endless water sports, this spo...

Bear Lake

Road trip ready: How Bear Lake became the go-to destination for Western U.S. travelers

Whether you are chasing pristine beaches, fresh raspberry shakes, or endless water sports, this sponsored guide—brought to you in partnership with Bear Lake —uncovers everything you need to plan the ultimate getaway.

How Harper Clinic's IOP is changing the face of mental health treatment in Utah....

Harper Clinic

A new standard of care: How Harper Clinic’s IOP is changing the face of mental health treatment in Utah

As demand for mental health care continues to rise across Utah County, Orem's Harper Clinic says it is trying to close the gap with a more comprehensive approach to mental health treatment.

The weight of depression is real. Many people spend years fighting it, adjusting medications, manag...

Harper Clinic

Breaking free from depression: How Harper Clinic’s TMS Therapy can help

Breaking free from depression: How Harper Clinic's TMS Therapy can help.

mental health...

Andrew Adams, KSL

Library discussions bring men’s mental health to the surface

Therapists say it’s common for men to repress things like trauma, grief, stress and anxiety. Now, a new weekly series of discussions aims to help men bring it all to the surface.

...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

Cozy up in Bear Lake: Discover the magic of a winter getaway

SALT LAKE CITY – The holiday season shines brightest when time slows down and loved ones gather. Gifts, decorations and festive music come and go, but shared experiences tend to last much longer. Research supports that idea. Dr. Theresa E. DiDonato told Psychology Today that vacations can strengthen relationships by creating meaningful time away from daily […]

...

Harper Clinic

Rewriting the path to healing: Inside Harper Clinic’s whole-person mental health model

OREM — A few decades ago, you’d have had a hard time finding a doctor to treat both your mind and body; And a century ago, you’d have been hard-pressed to find a doctor to treat your mind at all. Today, medical professionals are understanding more and more the undeniable connection between the body and […]

Nate Crandall – Blackridge Elementary