AT ST. HEDWIG SCHOOL IN Los Alamitos, Principal Chris McGuiness takes leadership very seriously. When asked to elaborate on the importance of choosing an eighth grade student who best exhibits the most significant qualities of leadership, he said,” All year, I have been talking with our eighth graders about leadership. Having Declan Crans lead our school every morning with prayer and the pledge is a perfect way for our younger students to see what it’s like for a young man to take on a leadership role.”
Crans has attended St. Hedwig since the fifth grade. During this time, he has made a positive impression on his fellow students and staff members. Mrs. Mai Marquez, Middle School Advanced Math Instructor and one of the Student Council Moderators, has known Crans his entire time at St. Hedwig. She lists his best qualities as having a positive spirit, strong leadership skills and being highly motivated to do quality work.
When asked about his involvement in the Student Council, Marquez remarked, “he is a true servant leader, a great role model to his peers, as well as others at St. Hedwig.”
As a strong student, Crans most enjoys Math and History. Along being vice president of the Student Council, he is also a Student Ambassador, giving school tours to parents of incoming students. He is also an Altar Server.
Crans also exhibits strong leadership qualities outside of school. He competes in club water polo and swimming for Shores Aquatics in Long Beach. Reflecting on his time as team captain, he shared, “I could be an example to my teammates and how to grow and achieve higher objectives.”
Crans also participates in the Civil Air Patrol organization in Los Alamitos. He likes this program because it “helps me become a leader and learn more about the military.”
Crans is looking ahead to entering high school next fall. He wants to continue his Catholic education at St. John Bosco in Bellflower. Though college is far off, he listed Pepperdine and the Coast Guard Academy as possible choices. Professionally he would like to work in Search and Rescue with the Coast Guard.
Crans is very thankful for his time at St. Hedwig and enjoys many aspects of the school, especially that “it is like a close-knit family.”
He urges other students to “be yourself, don’t follow the crowd and be a leader.”