Grayslake to boast 'Croc Hunter' middle school?


The late Steve Irwin, whose trademark phrase helped launch his television star as the "Crocodile Hunter", is among the candidates being considered in naming a building at Prairie Crossing Charter School in Grayslake.

Others on the immediate short list for the honor at the middle school are photographer Ansel Adams, Earth Day creator Gaylord Nelson and botanist George Washington Carver.

Prairie Crossing intends to name the middle school for someone who was environmentally conscious. In its 10th year, the public charter school is known for an environmentally focused curriculum.

Director Myron Dagley said students will be asked to provide more candidates for the middle school honor next month. School board members are expected to make the final decision in November or December.

"We've been calling it the new middle school for the last two years," Dagley said.

Solicitation of candidates from students began when the middle school opened in the 2006-07 academic year. Irwin and Carver were the first two names put into play by the students.

Early in the 2007-08 school year, Irwin was nominated for a second time and was joined by Adams, Nelson and former Vice President Al Gore.

Dagley recently asked the Prairie Crossing board to consider Irwin, Carver, Nelson and Adams. He provided board members with student position papers that supported the middle school candidates.

An eighth-grade class made the argument for placing Irwin's name on the middle school.

"He considered conserving the land as the best thing to do for the environment," the eighth-graders wrote. "If we name the building after Steve Irwin, it would be a good move on the school's part. The school would get publicity and that would make more kids want to come to this school."

Dagley said pupils will have a final chance to submit nominees starting in September. After the students vote in November, the top three candidates will be forwarded to the school board.

Board members are expected to select a name for the middle school by year's end.

Dagley said he likes the idea of having proper names on school buildings.

"It helps the students identify with the building and, if for no other reason, it helps in public-relations work."

One of Prairie Crossing Charter School's buildings is named for Anna Botsford Comstock, a pioneer in nature education who died in 1930.

Prairie Crossing serves children in kindergarten through eighth grade within the boundaries of Fremont Elementary District 79 and Woodland Elementary District 50. The state's per-pupil financial aid follows the Fremont and Woodland children if they attend Prairie Crossing, but out-of-area parents may pay tuition for students.