Escuela Commemorates 50 Years of Excellence at Sold-Out Legacy Celebration

Source: Special to Los Angeles Sentinel News Service

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Chrissy Roussell Willis, Esq., Dr. Sandra Roussell, and Dena Crowder (photo credit: George Nowlin)

Escuela de Montessori and Escuela Plus Elementary marked a historic milestone on Nov. 23 with a sold-out Legacy & Leadership Reception at the Wilshire Country Club — bringing together families, alumni, faculty, and friends representing all five decades of the school’s history.

The event was made possible through the generous support of its Title Sponsors: alum parents Francine and Darrell Lane; alum parents Pamela Washington, Esq., and Dr. Eleby Washington; and local fine-dining restaurant Somerville, co-owned by current Escuela Plus parents Yonnie Hagos and Ajay Relan.

Event emcees were Escuela alum parent Areva Martin, Esq., and alumna Michael Martin, Esq. (photo credit: Clayton Everett)

The program was masterfully emceed by the mother-daughter duo of alum parent and renowned attorney Areva Martin, Esq., and Escuela alumna Michael Martin, Esq. Guests enjoyed remarks from founder and Head of School Emeritus Dr. Sandra Roussell; her eldest daughter, Escuela’s first student and strategist Dena Crowder; and her younger daughter, current Head of School Christiane (Chrissy) Roussell Willis, Esq.

Dr. Roussell reflected on the school’s origins with heartfelt pride: “When I opened our doors in 1973, I simply wanted children to be known, loved, and challenged. To see five decades of families gathered here — all carrying that same spirit forward — is a tremendous blessing.”

Her daughter Dena Crowder, who spent her earliest years in the original Escuela classroom, highlighted Escuela’s far-reaching impact. “When our mom started the school, she never imagined how many families it would touch.”

Event title sponsor Somerville Restaurant co-owner Ajay Relan and wife Hope Jay, current Escuela Plus parents. (photo credit: George Nowlin)

Escuela’s whole child approach continues to create the foundation for a successful life. Students are challenged both creatively and academically — often working one to two years above standard grade level.

Current Head of School Chrissy Roussell Willis expressed excitement for Escuela’s next chapter with plans for a new school campus. “We honor our past by preparing boldly for what comes next. Our new campus represents not just growth in space, but growth in opportunity — for our students, our educators, and our community.”

Guests were treated to an energetic live auction led by alum parent and esteemed historian Larry Earl, Jr., dynamic musical performances by acclaimed musicians Xavior Gordon and Brian Thompson, moving video tributes from alumni, current students, parents, and faculty, and an ongoing visual display of tribute ads created by alum parent Kimberly Thompson featuring messages from alumni families, current families, and friends of Escuela.

Escuela alum parent and event auctioneer Larry Earl, Jr. and alumna and globally-recognized artist Lauren Halsey, who donated an experience touring her new exhibit to the live auction (photo credit: Clayton Everett)

The Wilshire Country Club was transformed with vibrant displays: posterboards showcasing Escuela families and faculty through the years, architectural renderings of the future Escuela Plus Elementary campus, a celebratory step-and-repeat, and a “Leaves of Legacy” station where guests added handwritten memories and messages of gratitude.

What resonated most was the energy — a powerful blend of joy, reverence, and forward-looking optimism. The reception affirmed what generations of families have long known: Escuela’s strength lies in its community. Its enduring mission and unwavering commitment to shaping thoughtful, confident, compassionate young leaders demonstrate what’s possible in and for our community.

Building on the momentum from this event, the school plans to offer more fun-filled, meaningful opportunities for engagement between alumni, current families, and faculty in the months and years to come.

For more information about and registration for the Escuela Legacy & Leadership Reception and information about Escuela Plus Elementary generally, please visit www.escuelapluselementary.com.