The Prowl

The Student News Site of Weston Ranch High School

The Prowl

The Prowl

Weston Ranch Says Goodbye to a Friend

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For the past 16 years, Weston Ranch High School has seen its share of leaders come and go. Since its inception in 2003, Weston Ranch has often been subjected to many changes. Some have been beneficial, while some have been difficult. But, for the past eight years, there has been one constant of which we are genuinely grateful, and that person is our school Assistant Principal, Brad Harrison.

But, our school will look different next year because Mr. Harrison has been promoted to the position of principal for the Manteca Adult School. While the adult school will gain in the addition of Harrison, Weston Ranch will suffer the loss of this beloved individual on our campus. We will miss his smile. We will miss his guidance. We will miss his passion for education, his commitment to the students, and his tremendous loyalty to the staff. It will be a sad first day in August of 2019, but Harrison leaves behind a legacy of great programs and a resounding echo of the messages he helped create and deliver.

“For the past eight years as the Assistant Principal at WRHS, I have enjoyed everything about WR,” Harrison told The Prowl. “The staff, the students, and the community, everything. I have loved making improvements and striving to make our school a better place. I am proud of the many changes we have made in the areas of curriculum, instruction, and assessment, and preparing the students for their futures away from WRHS.”

“I am proud I helped add career pathways, numerous electives, and develop personal and professional relationships.”

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Knowing this about Mr. Harrison the educator made The Prowl search for words to describe Mr. Harrison, the man.

In searching for the right words to describe Mr. Harrison and what he has meant to Weston Ranch, the task was nearly impossible to choose the right superlatives. We narrowed it down to eight. A great man is a gentleman, he is direct, he is faithful, he has integrity, he is honest, he is mature, he is self-confident, and he has a positive attitude. Mr. Harrison has helped direct this school with dignity and aplomb. He has faced difficult situations and been pragmatic. And for all of this, we are truly grateful.

Searching for teachers to support our findings was not a challenge. Our teachers here help concur the eight words we found to describe a great man.

Mr. Hager, US History teacher and head baseball coach, offered this conclusion. “Brad is a good leader who is willing to listen and work with teachers for the betterment of the students, and school. He will be missed and has large shoes to fill,” said Mr. Hager.

Ms. Brooks, an English teacher and our yearbook adviser, concurred with Hager. “Brad has been a great leader for Weston Ranch High School. His leadership style has made a huge positive impact on the school. He values his job and always goes the extra mile to ensure what’s best for students, staff, parents, and the community. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy of integrity and traditions will remain present at Weston Ranch.”

As we will surely miss him, he equally will miss us.

“I will miss meeting with the teachers and staff who come hang out in my office at 6 am,” Harrison quipped about the group he affectionately called The Breakfast Club. “I will miss all the dedicated teachers and wonderful students who have made working here such a great experience,” he added.

Moving on after a lengthy tenure makes one reflect on the memories. Just as seniors move on through commencement and reflect on their collective memories, Harrison has the same opportunity and is no exception to the reflective process.

“I have so many fond memories from working here at this great school,” said Harrison. “One of the fondest memories is times spent with my squad during fourth period. Talking about school, education, family, and just enjoying each other’s company. I also will fondly remember popping in during lunch with the guys in the 1100 wing who always keep it real.”

Accomplishments. Memories. Legacy. Mr. Harrison’s been there and done that. Although we will remember him as the AP, the man we will not forget will always be one of compassion and empathy. The only thing left for him to give us is one bit of wisdom.

“A bit of wisdom I would leave with the students of Weston Ranch High before I go is always strive to become better every day. No matter what life throws at you, stand tall and be proud to be a Weston Ranch Cougar.”

Shari Arison, a businesswoman, and noted philanthropist once said, “Doing good holds the power to transform us on the inside, and then ripple out in ever-expanding circles that positively impact the world at large.”

There is a big difference between doing good and doing well in this world. Doing well means you’re navigating what life brings to you each day and you take care of it. Doing good is making an effort to make sure the people around you get better. In closing, Mr. Harrison, you did good.

Mr. Harrison and Mr. Davis
Mr. Harrison and Dr. Davis

 

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Weston Ranch Says Goodbye to a Friend