Alumni Profiles
Valerie Pickett ’77 & Vanessa Pickett-Flowers ’78
“It felt exciting. It was fun and upbeat, and everyone was friendly. It was a good learning experience—motivating—and the teachers were always available to help.”
In 1971, seventh grader Valerie Pickett ’77 was in the inaugural group of 34 students to attend Crossroads, then held in a Baptist church on Pico Boulevard. The next year, when Crossroads moved to a former Motherhood Maternity factory on 21st Street, her sister Vanessa Pickett-Flowers ’78 joined as a seventh grader. While the sisters started their Crossroads careers in less-than-glamorous facilities, they were undeterred.
“The energy at the school in those days was a hippie and adventurous vibe,” says Vanessa. “It felt exciting. It was fun and upbeat, and everyone was friendly. It was a good learning experience—motivating—and the teachers were always available to help.”
The School’s first yearbook in 1972 included poems by each student sharing highlights from their year. Valerie described how cool it was that her printmaking teacher brought the entire class to her house, where she had a printmaking shop. Nowadays, Valerie feels a highlight of her Crossroads experience was her favorite teacher, Steve Morgan. She appreciates how the curriculum ignited students’ passions and empowered them to explore new horizons.
“And our school trips were good memories. Those were great experiences,” adds Valerie.
Vanessa agrees, “Yes! What an opportunity to experience school trips, which were not common for schools
to offer in those days. Some of my best and funniest memories are the trips to Yosemite and especially hiking in Catalina.”
to offer in those days. Some of my best and funniest memories are the trips to Yosemite and especially hiking in Catalina.”
“Fifty years later, where does the time go?” reflects Valerie. “Good memories.”
Thinking about the impact of the School on her life, Vanessa shares, “Crossroads gave me a life of diversity, which has helped me greatly.”
Valerie and Vanessa live near each other in San Diego County. Valerie retired after working 18 years for the county, and Vanessa is looking forward to retiring in 2023 after 32 years on San Diego’s waterfront. Vanessa has been married for 29 years and has two sons and a granddaughter (who is the love of her life!), and Valerie loves being an aunt and enjoys spoiling her nephews and grandniece.
