The 2024–2025 school year marks a remarkable milestone for Edison High School as we celebrate a combined 50 years of service from two of our most tenured and beloved educators: Craig Busic and Kassie Halpin. For a half-century between them, they have shaped the lives of generations of Edison students with patience, passion, creativity, and deep dedication to our mission. Their classrooms have been places of growth and belonging, and their impact ripples far beyond the walls of the school.
Craig Busic, 30 Years
When Craig started substitute teaching at Edison something clicked—though Craig had never imagined himself teaching high school, he quickly fell in love with Edison and the students.
In 1998, Craig helped launch what would become one of Edison’s most beloved traditions: the Excursion Program. From hands-on science experiences to overnight trips, the program grew quickly and became an integral part of an Edison education.
For over 20 years, Craig has directed both excursions and summer school at Edison, always focused on making learning real, relevant, and memorable. Whether SCUBA diving, hiking, or leading a classroom discussion, Craig brings energy and heart to all he does.
Ask him why he’s still here? “The students. Always the students. Watching them grow academically and socially, working closely with parents—it’s endlessly rewarding.” And is retirement on the horizon? Not even close. “Edison is my life,” he laughs.
Kassie Halpin, 20 Years
For Kassie Halpin, the years have flown by. “I raised my kids at Edison. Even my nieces,” she says with a smile. Kassie moved to Portland to raise her children near her retired parents. Her father was a teacher, her mother a seamstress and homemaker: education and care ran deep in her family. She tutored and subbed in the area and even worked as a guidance counselor for an online university before considering a return to the classroom.
She dropped off her resume at Edison by accident thinking it was Jesuit, and was greeted by the legendary Susan Balentine, who made her feel welcome and showed her around the school. That spontaneous visit turned into a job offer, and it didn’t take long for her to fall in love with the community.
As a parent, Kassie would later discover that her own children had learning differences, and she found herself deeply grateful to have the understanding and tools to support them thanks to her time at Edison. “Kids need schools like Edison,” she says. “We help remove the stigma and show students they can thrive.” Today, Kassie continues to inspire students, parents, and colleagues alike with her calm presence and deep care for her students.
With hearts full of gratitude, we honor Craig and Kassie for their decades of extraordinary service. Their presence has shaped Edison into the school it is today—a place of understanding, support, and possibility. We are lucky to have them, and we look forward to many more years of wisdom, adventure, and inspiration.
