Well-hidden in an ambiguous location below the Canyon Crest Academy Media Center exists a whimsical pocket of life, deliciousness, and art.  There you will find warmth – emanating from coffees, teas, cozy armchairs, and students similar to yourself who smile and ask if you would like to sample the latest rendition of panini.  A place of safety and acceptance, this “Nest,” as we call it, exudes an effortless sense of compassion and community.  You will smile and feel at home.  You will make friends here.  You will meet friends here.  And while you enjoy the blissful company of your comrades, you will dine on a unique selection of scrumptious and healthful coffeehouse foodstuffs.

 
How did we get here?

 
This place was not always as incredible as it is now.  What you know as “The Nest,” was once titled simply, “Staff Lounge.”  A long, long time ago – in 2004, to be exact – in an ordinary staff meeting in this very staff lounge, Robin Duncan, one of our wonderful English teachers, was struck with the inspiration to turn the teachers’ lounge into a cafe.  Obviously an ingenious idea, efforts by a passionate few to transform the lounge began soon after.  Namely, Phyllis Quan, a highly supportive parent, set out aggressively to make this happen.  She wrote a proposal to the CCA foundation, and spearheaded the enormously influential fundraiser that allowed for the project to go underway.  50,000 dollars later, raised with the help of many generous donors, the space began to transform.

 
If you build it, they will come.

 
With the dedicated power of a “Nest club,” the dreary staff lounge was slowly converted into the handsome cafe it is today.  After six years of creative thought, arduous hurtle-jumping, and immense ambition, the Nest Class is now alive.  Jeannie Chufo is our fearless teacher, and partnered with Alicia Pitrone-Hauser, big things are happening.  Come check us out.

 
Where we are going?

 
Officially a live business, the Nest will now be in a state of perpetual growth.  Fueled by the potent young minds of Canyon Crest Academy students and their inspirational teachers, the volume of ingenuity and enthusiasm surrounding this project will undoubtedly ensure that the Nest makes a bang.  In the near future you can expect an extensive outdoor space adjoined to the Nest, complete with elegant bistro furniture and a tranquil garden of native southern California plants.  There has even been talk of a stair-side slide, Japanese Zen garden, or tea and herb nursery.  The Nest also plans to extend its services on campus to a satellite cart, cleverly dubbed “The Egg,” which will provide coffee and breakfast items to parents dropping off students in the parking lot every morning.  These aspirations, in addition to the thrilling Canyon Crest community events that will take place in the Nest, showcasing everything good – from student art to foreign films, will contribute to an atmosphere unlike any other.


-Written By: Natalie Allen