Congressional Record Honoring Coach Steele Kerriden “Kerry” Croswhite
Mr. STANTON. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Coach Steele Kerriden ‘‘Kerry’’ Croswhite, who passed away Tuesday, July 21, 2020 due to complications from COVID–19 at the age of 61. For 17 years Coach Croswhite served Chandler High School as a social studies teacher, head coach for the school’s swim and dive team, and assistant coach for the softball program — a true pillar of excellence for the school’s academic and athletic programs, and an inspiration for the thousands of students who had the great privilege to learn from him. A beloved member of the Chandler community, Coach Croswhite embodied a steadfast dedication to public education, Chandler High School, and service to others.
Coach Croswhite’s impact resonated throughout the entire Chandler High community. He was always ready with a word of encouragement and empathetic ear, and he emanated pride and joy when celebrating his students and his school. Not only an inspirational teacher and coach, Coach Croswhite was known across campus for the bagpipes he played at school events, swim meets, football games, and at the school’s annual Unity Assembly, where he donned a kilt in proud celebration of his ancestry.
He was a selfless leader who devoted his career — without fanfare or in pursuit of recognition — to the students he taught and coached at Chandler High. As the head swim and dive coach, Coach Croswhite spent countless hours training and mentoring the athletes he worked with every day. Coach Croswhite always went out of his way to help others — even jumping into action without hesitation to save the life of one of his students after she suffered a seizure in the pool. Because of his leadership and example, countless students have learned the value of camaraderie, perseverance, and teamwork.
Coach Croswhite’s wife, Laurie, shared that at the time of his passing, he was listening to the song ‘‘These Are the Days’’ by Van Morrison. In celebration of his life and legacy, may we think of him each time we hear this song in the future. We join his family in grief and gratitude, thankful that we bore witness to the impact he had on the entire Chandler High community. His legacy will be remembered for generations of students, teachers, and faculty to come.
Thank you, Coach Croswhite, and Godspeed.
