The Second Tallest Student Ever at CSDR

Older alumni and retirees remember Edward Dudley, ’71, for his amazing height. His height record will probably stand forever at CSDR. His height was 7’0”. His weight was 300 pounds. Edward arrived at CSDR in 1958 and stayed until his graduation in 1971. He died around 2024. He said he had not grown any taller after he left CSDR, but his weight increased to 350 pounds.

At left is Edward Dudley, ’71, with his height of 7’ 0“. At right are his three classmates for height comparison. The Senior Class of 1971 went to Catalina Island for an annual senior trip that continued from 1956 to 1975.

Fifty-five years later, the next CSDR student holding the second tallest height record is Joshua Ramirez, ’26. His record is 6’10”. His weight is 320 pounds.

In reply to my question, Joshua said he arrived at CSDR in 2015, where he started in elementary school. He was already too big to pass for his grade. Those who were not familiar with Joshua wondered if he was misplaced in grade for his age. In fact, he was in the proper grade and proper curriculum for his special learning needs. He was both deaf and cognitively challenged.

Joshua posed for the school picture for his 6th grade year in 2020.

Fortunately, CSDR has had the special program since 1953 to help students who could not handle the regular curriculum demands. Dr. Richard Brill was visionary in welcoming “special” students to obtain their education at a slower pace of learning with a modified curriculum. In February 1953, the new school opened with eight Lower School classes. Three classes were reserved for those who needed special attention.

The wrestling team had their season of competition of wins and loses in the league for 2026 At right is Head Coach Kevin Croasmun with Ken Andrews, ’84, as assistant coach on left. Photo credit: csdr_youthathletics

Photo credit: csdr_youthathletics

Joshua Ramirez said he enjoyed his eleven years at CSDR. Despite his cognitive limits, he was able to join the league sport for wrestling. He was placed in the super heavyweight class. Coaches Kevin Croasmun and Ken Andrews, ’84, were thoughtful in including Joshua on the team for his learning experience and physical fitness.

We convey our best wishes to Joshua for his work and life after eleven years of education at CSDR.

Here is a good way to close the article. Retired High School Principal Tammy Mitchell (1994-2025) remembers Joshua as a “Gentle Giant“.

I was fortunate to meet Joshua by chance two days before the graduation day. As you can see, the difference in height is clearly evident. He is 6’ 10“. I am 5’ 10”. A foot long difference. His shoe size seems to be 20. My shoe size is 10. And one more difference between us is 50 years apart in our graduation years: 1976 and 2026.

Kevin Struxness, ’76, MA

Editor, CSDR Old Times

8 June 2026