During the days since the tragic incident on I-89 that led to the loss of five local students, I've been impressed with our student's courage and efforts to support their neighboring peers.
In the midst of the sorrow and shock of what occurred our students and staff exuded kindness, caring, and a willingness to be openly emotional and supportive. Many of our students stepped into new and vulnerable leadership roles. Our kids did some amazing outreach from simply signing 'open cards' for Harwood, to presenting banners & helping hands at the vigil, to WCAX capturing the 'HU Strong' arm bands that our boys soccer team designed and presented to Harwood players. As the Harwood men's soccer coach said, 'they showed a great deal of class'. This was not an accident. During the past years our community and school have all helped to raise, guide and nurture our students to this positive place. In my opinion, and that of others, our students made an important positive impact beyond our community in a profound way. While nothing will erase the sorrow we feel at what happened, I take comfort in knowing that our students stood up and helped. Thank you teachers, coaches, parents, guardians, and friends.
We received numerous thoughts and thanks from individuals outside our community. The comment below captures the essence of them all.
"I just wanted to send a note of gratitude to your athletes and coaches for coming to Harwood last night for our candlelight vigil. As a parent who knew the kids we lost this weekend, some for many years and adored and others I knew less well, it meant a lot to have such a widespread show of support. All of the athletes (and parents) I talked with went out of their way to mention how they were amazed, touched , and inspired by Peoples coming en masse. My son is on the JV soccer team and the example your students showed meant a lot to him.Thank you, thank you."
Harwood Parent, Fayston
Please join us on Wednesday afternoon to welcome Harwood fans to our school. We would love to see everyone wearing gold/yellow to support both teams. We will also be sharing baked goods with Harwood fans at the boys 4pm soccer game. Feel free to bring some of your own special treats to share. There will be a donation bin at the Boosters Shed for the 'Five Families Fund'.
 |
| PA Boys XC team at Saturday's Harwood Invitational - their hats read 'We Stand with Harwood' |
Please join us on Wednesday afternoon to welcome Harwood fans to our school. We would love to see everyone wearing gold/yellow to support both teams. We will also be sharing baked goods with Harwood fans at the boys 4pm soccer game. Feel free to bring some of your own special treats to share. There will be a donation bin at the Boosters Shed for the 'Five Families Fund'.
