Wayne Township Education Foundation
News Details
![Image with Rick Crosslin retirement news as Scientist in Residence]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1716486843/waynek12inus/ygssbn372xjhgjfsccy5/rick-crosslin-retirement.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1716486843/waynek12inus/ygssbn372xjhgjfsccy5/rick-crosslin-retirement.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1716486843/waynek12inus/ygssbn372xjhgjfsccy5/rick-crosslin-retirement.jpg","width":760}])
May 2024
He’s been a beloved teacher in the MSD of Wayne Township, known for his remarkable ability to engage both students and adults with his passion for science. After 48 years of service to the school district, MSD Wayne Scientist in Residence Rick Crosslin has decided it’s time to retire.
“Children and adults alike are drawn to Mr. Crosslin,” said Wayne Township Education Foundation Executive Director Lisa Baize. “He captures them with his enthusiasm, his genuine love for children and teaching, and his creative ability to engage those around him.”
Mr. Crosslin has been an integral part of WTEF’s engagement of students. His Science Claus programs each December have entertained thousands of children and adults with a dazzling variety of on-stage science experiments. And he has run his Science Summer Safari camp for the last 40 years, taking students on daily field trips to learn about aerospace science, biology, geology, and caving.
“We’ve been very proud to support both Science Claus and Science Summer Safari, which have allowed Mr. Crosslin’s impact to grow each year,” said Mrs. Baize.
Most recently, Mr. Crosslin created a program to help educate MSD Wayne students about the total solar eclipse which took place on April 8. WTEF purchased eclipse glasses that were distributed to students, staff and the Wayne community as part of that outreach.
“His impact on students, staff, and our community has been long-term and wide-ranging,” said Mrs. Baize. “If anyone has earned the right to retire, it’s certainly Rick Crosslin. He will be missed by all of us whose understanding of science has grown as a result of his infectious enthusiasm.”
WTEF is working to establish the Rick Crosslin Endowed Science Fund to support future elementary science initiatives in MSD Wayne. To “endow” this fund, so it will benefit students long into the future, at least $10,000 must be raised. You can find more information on the fund and how to support it here.
ABOUT THE WAYNE TOWNSHIP EDUCATION FOUNDATION
The Wayne Township Education Foundation (WTEF) provides community leadership to enrich, engage, and stimulate teaching and learning in the Metropolitan School District of Wayne Township. WTEF accomplishes this by supporting school programs and resources, while recognizing excellence among students and staff. To learn more about WTEF, call 317-988-7966, visit wtef.wayne.k12.in.us, or follow us on Facebook or Twitter @WayneTwpEdFound.