Written by Zane Corum
What makes a great leader? Well, you have to be caring, respectful, and most importantly, kind. And that’s exactly what Mrs. Harper has done for 13 years as principal at Country Heights. She also made an impact while as a teacher at CHES and other schools for her almost 30 years of experience in education. She’s made this school the fun and unique way that it is. Sadly, her career is coming to an end, as she is retiring after this school year.
At Country Heights we have a word for every year, and “legacy” is this year’s focus word. And if you’re wondering, legacy means “your influence on the lives of others in your family or community.” Our ASL sign of legacy at CHES shows the hand movements of “looking back and giving to others.” That’s just perfect for Mrs. Harper because she has made a big impact at this school and will be remembered in the future. I know it. Some examples that she does that will make her remembered are the school news, the book of the year, and the way she empowers others to push harder to be successful.
The School News is a daily routine before our learning starts where the whole school watches Mrs. Harper and her guests talk about important events or cool things happening in a specific grade. Currently, she is choosing classes to show their learning. She does this by drawing teacher names out of a bucket and then sends her stuffed animal husky named Curiosity, to visit the class for the day. The next day, they share their learning on the news with Mrs. Harper and the rest of the school.
The book of the year is something special that Mrs. Harper started several years ago. Last year, all students received the book Wonder or We’re All Wonders. The main idea from these books is that everybody is their own unique person and we should be kind to each other. This year’s books of the year included: Togo and Leonhard, Togo, or Balto. These books are all about real-life huskies who were courageous, hard-working, and synergized to save a town from a disease.
Mrs. Harper is also one of those people that get you motivated for the day. Her key to success is “working hard to help others feel empowered, confident, and proud!” She wants others to feel valued and loved all the time. After reading Mrs. Harper’s quote, it stuck with me and it reminds me that others really care. It’s a really inspiring quote because it not only means to motivate others but it also helps me with feeling confident and proud of myself. And that’s not all. She’s done soooo much more stuff that others will remember in the future.
I may be a fifth grade student and will be going to another school next year, but wherever I go, Mrs. Harper will always be kept in my heart, and hopefully yours, too. All 500 students and staff at Country Heights love her so much and will remember the fun stuff she did with us in her time at CHES.
WE’LL MISS YOU, MRS. HARPER, BUT YOU’LL ALWAYS BE A HUSKY! WE LOVE YOU!!!