Page 18 - Senior Link Magazine Spring 2025 - Online Magazine
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Senior
Senior
Cindy Cruce, "G"
The Heart of Christ the King
by Analisa DeLuna
recommended her for the role and her oldest grandson, Tyler,
of the school’s science teacher, reached school age, she knew exactly
and, though Mrs. Cruce wasn’t where she wanted him to begin his
Catholic, she accepted the education: the same halls where her
position. Her early teaching years teaching career began.
were marked by hard work and
or as long as I’ve been at Christ a commitment to her students, Since then, CTK has become a
the King—since PreK-3—Mrs. including the opportunity to teach lasting home for her family. Five of
FCindy Cruce has been more Dr. Behal’s children. Over time, her grandchildren have attended
than just a teacher; she’s been a a close friendship developed the school, with her first great-
source of warmth, guidance, and between Mrs. Cruce, her husband, grandchild, Manny, now enrolled
unshakable support. and the Behal family, further in PreK-3. Of her grandchildren,
deepening her bond with the CTK Tyler and Brooklyn have graduated,
Known affectionately as “G,” community. Samuel is currently a senior, and
short for “Grandma,” she’s earned Elizabeth is a freshman.
the nickname because, to us From that pivotal start, Mrs. Cruce’s
students, she feels like everyone’s passion for teaching flourished. Out of all the students Mrs. Cruce
grandmother. Whether it’s offering Though her husband’s career has taught, my class—the Class of
a kind word, sharing a quick temporarily took their family away 2025—holds a special place in her
laugh, or simply being there when from Lubbock, her heart remained heart. Having watched us grow
you need her most, Mrs. Cruce tied to CTK. When they returned, from energetic elementary students
embodies what it means to be
the heart of a school community.
Her steadfast love for teaching This photo features Mrs. Cruce with some of her family. L to R: Mrs. Cindy Cruce, granddaughter Brooklyn,
and her unique ability to connect grandson and CTK senior Samuel Cruce-Haag, grandson and CTK alumnus Tyler Cruce, granddaughter and
CTK freshman Elizabeth, daughter and CTK Cheer Coach/Booster Club President Ann Cruce-Haag, son-in-
with students have made her a law Jeff Haag, daughter Martha Cruce, and great-grandson and CTK PK student Manny.
cherished part of our CTK family.
Mrs. Cruce’s journey to Christ
the King is as inspiring as it is
unexpected. In the mid-1970s,
her husband, John, was a student
at Texas Tech Medical School,
and Mrs. Cruce’s paycheck was
the family’s only income. While
working as a substitute teacher,
she caught the attention of Dr.
Behal, one of her husband’s
professors and a member of
the CTK school board. He
18 Lubbock Senior Link
