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Bonnie Beth Crider Deyhle
Bonnie Beth Crider Deylhe '98, daughter of Dana and Judy Smith Crider '69, long serving current Woodstock staff members, died suddenly in Goa on 22nd September. Thanks to remarkable assistance from some of our students' parents Dana and Judy were able to bring their daughter home to Mussoorie for burial on Monday 25th September. A memorial service was held in Parker Hall two days' later. Ajay Mark, Head of PE, gave the following tribute.
It is ironic that I got the news of Bonnie's passing away during the Inter School Cross Country Races on Saturday, because I have remembered her at every Cross Country Race and Sports Day because of her Outstanding Achievement in Sports while she was a student in Woodstock.
I had the privilege of being Bonnie's coach and PE teacher. It was a pleasure to watch Bonnie run - she had beautiful strides and it seemed that she was moving effortlessly. But I know that she practiced diligently to achieve her level of success. To this day she holds the Inter House Sports record for the 800m and High Jump in the Sub Junior Division, the 400m and 1500m races in the Junior Division, the 800 m race in the Intermediate Division and the 400 m in the Senior Division. It was no surprise when she received the athlete of the Year Award for two successive years - when she was in 11th and 12th Grade.
At the Inter School level in 1996, when she was in 11th grade, Bonnie received the Individual championship in the Senior Girls division after coming in first in the 100m, 400m, 800m, Long Jump and High Jump. On graduating from Woodstock, Bonnie held the Mussoorie Olympics record for 400 m, 800m, 1500m, High Jump and Long Jump. She was also the anchor for Woodstock's relay team which came first that year and broke the record.
I also had the privilege of taking Bonnie for two District meets in Dehra Dun. In 1995, when she was in 9th grade, she placed 1st in the 400m, 2nd in the 1500 m race and the high jump. The very next year she came first in all the events which she participated at the district level and earned the championship for her division.
Although Bonnie had every reason to be proud because of her talent and accomplishments, she was very humble about her achievements. She was a good role model and source of encouragement for her team mates. Whether she was participating in the Inter House Sports Day, or at the Mussoorie Olympics, or at the District Track Meet in Dehra Dun, Bonnie made it a point to shake hands before and after the race with those who were running with her. She always started a race with a smile and ended it with a smile.
However, the reason I have the greatest regard for Bonnie today is because as an adult her life's goal was not receiving glories for sports but it was to follow Philippians chapter 3 verse 14 which says "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."