(Photo by Howard Packowitz/WJBC)
By Howard Packowitz
NORMAL – Unit 5 School Board members paid tribute to Normal West High School volunteer Charlie Crabtree with a moment of silence Wednesday night.
It was the first board meeting since the head-on crash last Wednesday between a semi and a school bus carrying the Normal West junior varsity girls basketball team.
The 72-year old Crabtree was remembered for his devotion to Normal West athletics, and as the candyman, for passing out treats to team members. So, board member Mike Trask brought Circus Peanuts, Crabtree’s favorite, and York Peppermint Patties to the meeting. Crabtree’s initials were written on the candy wrappers.
“It’s not a toast, but it’s a salute to Charlie. Thank you for all you did for Unit 5,” said Trask, whose wife works with Crabtree’s daughter.
“You will be sorely missed, and we need more people like you in the district. Here’s to you, Charlie.”
Board member Amy Roser praised Unit 5 staff for helping students deal with a life-changing event.
“As educators in the district, everybody gets the opportunity to help our students grow and learn,” said Roser.
“Last Wednesday, our educators had the opportunity to help our students grow and learn in a very different way,” Roser added.
J-V Coach Steve Price and bus driver Mark Kuhn remain hospitalized and face long recoveries. All eight JV team members were treated and released. The Iowa trucker was killed in the crash.
Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]
