About HCSD Arts

HCSD's Fine and Performing Arts Department affords all students the opportunity to study music, visual art, dance, and theatre, providing every child with experiences that promote life-long participation and enjoyment of the arts. We embrace the cooperative work of parents, teachers, students, and the community, and are invested in a collaborative approach to support student development and success.

About HCSD Athletics

The Harrison Athletics program is built on the principles of Rigor, Development, Communication, and Accountability. Harrison coaches work to develop programs based on communication, clear expectations, ongoing feedback, accountability and developing self-advocacy in our student athletes. We are committed to meeting the standards of high expectation and maximum effort on and off the field.

HHS Graduation 2023

Graduation Ceremony

Letter to Graduates from Dr. Wool

Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.
Pablo Picasso

Dear Graduates,

It’s time to grow up, to leave childhood behind, but is it? Congratulations on your graduation from Harrison High School; adulthood beckons, but is letting go of childhood a necessary part of growing up? Is it even wise? I think not. Picasso believes every child is an artist, unique, and unbridled by the limitations of the adult world.

So many questions about the future are answered by revisiting your childhood's wonders and sorrows. Ponder this time-honored question, but slightly differently: what do you want to be when you grow up? Instead, ask what did you most love to do as a child? What brought you happiness, made you feel safe or sad, or brought fear into your life? Most importantly, what made you proud?

As a very young boy, I built wooden block cities and houses filled with figures, unconsciously creating a safe and permanent place for families to live. My family moved often; I yearned for a stable connected life to a community. Looking back, I see my life’s work in the play of a young boy. My block city wasn't just a child’s play but a child’s dream to feel secure; it would become so much more to me as a teacher, a father, and a leader. We all care deeply about something. Picasso reminds us, Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.

Each of you already has a passion and even a life purpose; it is fully visible through the prism of childhood, revealed by your reflections and intellect. So many of your talents are already evident in science and the arts, but mostly in your humanity.

As I write this letter, your class is organizing to support a senior who joined your class just this year; as you have always done, you embraced, welcomed, and supported him. He was stricken with a life-threatening experience; irrespective of his newness, you reached out your hands and hearts to lift him and his family. Perhaps a child’s dream of a safe city made of blocks played a small role. It is time to grow up, hold dear your childhood dreams; they are important and yours and may change someone's life for the better.

I am so proud of you; go forth and spread goodness and light.

Sincerely,