One of the most important teachers in John Cronin’s life was Karen Campagnoni who taught the retailing and customer service class that John took at Wilson Tech during his last year of schooling. Ms. Campagnoni has announced that she is retiring at the end of this school year after a 26-year career in the classroom.
“I was so lucky to have Ms. Campagnoni as a teacher,” said John, the co-founder of John’s Crazy Socks.
The Role of Teachers in John’s Development
John Cronin has become a sock tycoon having co-founded and bootstrapped his business, John’s Crazy Socks, into the world’s largest sock store. John has earned recognition and praise, but he did not reach these milestones flying solo. He has risen to great heights with the support of many including his family, friends, colleagues and teachers and aides in the schools he attended.
John benefited from a wonderful education through the Huntington Public Schools. He grew from learning under many wonderful educators. These included his main classroom teachers as well as teachers in physical education, art, chorus and office skills (we’re looking at you Deanna Ziegler).
John makes a point of thanking three teachers in particular: Dr. Erica Murphy-Jessen, who taught life skills at Huntington High School, Patricia Klee, his speech therapist, and Ms. Campagnoni. John has become a sought-after speaker who has entertained and inspired audiences across the country. During those speaking engagements, he often takes the time to give a shout out of thanks to the teachers who helped him become the man he is today.
“I am so grateful for all my teachers,” said John, “but especially Dr. Murphy-Jessen, Ms. Klee and Ms. Campagnoni.”
Gratitude Means Giving Back
John’s education meant so much to him that he always wants to show his gratitude. He does this by giving back to the schools. He serves on the Wilson Tech Advisory Board. This gives him an opportunity to work alongside Ms. Campagnoni and Ms. Ziegler.
John’s Crazy Socks offers both in-person and virtual tours. John conducts these tours and is especially happy when he sees students from Huntington High School and Wilson Tech where he took classes. More than 2,000 students have visited John’s Crazy Socks through our tour program. The tours are designed to inspire and encourage students as they contemplate their entrance into the workforce.
John’s Crazy Socks hosts workgroups each week from schools and social service agencies. The groups typically contain six students that visit once a week for one to two hours. During their weekly visits, the students perform a variety of tasks and observe the work in our warehouse. At the end of their time with us, we give each student a thank you gift bag.
“I love giving tours,” said John, “and I always find time to meet with the work groups.”
John takes great pride in seeing Ms. Campagnoni bring her classes in to participate in the work group program.
If you are interested in visiting John’s Crazy socks, you can learn more about our tours here and you can read about our workgroups here. You can also send an email to tours@johnscrazysocks.com or speak to our Community Organizer, Maria Lerner.
About John’s Crazy Socks
John’s Crazy Socks was inspired by John Lee Cronin, a young man with Down syndrome, and his love of colorful and fun socks—what he calls his “crazy socks.” He and his father, Mark X. Cronin, started the company as a social enterprise with a mission of Spreading Happiness™. With more than 4,000 socks, John’s Crazy Socks is now the world’s largest sock store. More than half their employees have a differing ability, and their Giving Back program has raised over $600,000 for charity partners like the Special Olympics, the National Down Syndrome Society, and the Autism Society of America. Most of all, they are Spreading Happiness™.
For more information about John’s Crazy Socks, visit our webpage, Facebook page, Instagram account, TikTok or YouTube channel. You can also contact us at 631-760-5625 or via email at service@johnscrazysocks.com.
