Now, as he prepares to cross the stage of the Chautauqua Institution Amphitheater at Commencement on Friday night, he credits that experience — along with a love of science and a drive to improve how things work — for helping him decide what’s next. This fall, Crandall will attend Rochester Institute of Technology to study industrial engineering and join the Air Force ROTC.

“I’ve always liked making things better — whether it’s design, management, or efficiency,” Crandall said. “That’s basically what industrial engineers do. They take an idea and figure out how to make it work better for people.”

Crandall will graduate 10th in his class and has taken advantage of nearly every opportunity available to him at Jamestown High School. He credits AP Chemistry with Tom Warner as his favorite class, but he relished the opportunity to study aviation with Daryl Damcott as well as flight instructors from the Great Lakes Flight Center.

“Not many people get to say they flew a plane in high school,” Crandall said. “I always tell people — no, I didn’t just ride in the plane. I flew it. That’s an opportunity I’ll never forget.”

Liam Crandall stands in the front hallway of Jamestown High School, where he’ll graduate 10th in the Class of 2025. Crandall plans to attend Rochester Institute of Technology this fall to study industrial engineering and join the Air Force ROTC.

Crandall was first introduced to flying outside of school through his part-time job at Lakewood Pediatric Dentistry. After his boss and her husband took him for a ride in a Cessna, Crandall was hooked.

“When JHS added the aviation program, I was excited. It was something real and local that helped me keep building that passion,” he said.

Though he couldn’t fit Aviation II into his senior year schedule, Crandall made the most of every opportunity — from flight simulations in school and lab-based projects to one-on-one instruction through the Great Lakes partnership. He also serves in the Civil Air Patrol.

Beyond aviation, Crandall said he’s grateful for the community and opportunities JHS offers.

“At a smaller school, you might not get AP classes like Chem or Calc. You might not meet as many different people,” he said. “Here, I’ve had amazing teachers and counselors who are always willing to help.”

Liam Crandall stands in the front hallway of Jamestown High School, where he’ll graduate 10th in the Class of 2025. Crandall plans to attend Rochester Institute of Technology this fall to study industrial engineering and join the Air Force ROTC.

As he looks ahead to life at RIT, he hopes to keep reaching higher — building better systems, better designs, and a better future. He looks forward to taking part in RIT’s co-op program and eventually serving in the Air Force.

His advice for future JHS students?

“Use your resources,” said Crandall. “The counselors here are amazing, but only if you go to them. There’s a lot available — you just have to take that step.”