Harrison High School celebrates student successes at DECA conference and other competitions

The Harrison Board of Education meeting on May 7, 2025, showcased a series of impressive achievements by students across various disciplines, highlighting the district's commitment to fostering talent and community engagement.

One of the most notable highlights was the success of Harrison High School students at the DECA International Career Development Conference in Orlando, Florida. Out of 275,000 students nationwide, 11 from Harrison qualified to compete, with Addison Valente earning a medal of honor for her role play and achieving a top 10 finish for the third consecutive year—a first for the school. Arthur Gutierrez also received recognition for his outstanding performance in a multiple-choice test.

In addition to business achievements, the district celebrated the accomplishments of middle school students at the Westchester Regional Middle School Science and Engineering Fair, where nine students received awards, including first place for energy sustainability. This success has qualified them for the Thermo Fisher Junior Innovation Challenge, indicating a strong foundation in STEM education.

The arts were also prominently featured, with students participating in the Congressional Art Competition, showcasing their work at the Neuberger Museum. The adaptive theater program, led by educator Leah Moore, received praise for its innovative approach to inclusivity, pairing neurotypical students with those on the spectrum in a production that aimed to foster empathy and understanding among participants and the audience.

The high school theater program garnered accolades at the Eastern Student Artist Guild Awards for their production of "Radium Girls," winning multiple awards, including best ensemble and best drama production. This powerful play, based on true events, resonated with audiences and highlighted the importance of storytelling in education.

The debate team also made headlines, achieving a record four placements in the top 25 at the National Tournament of Champions, showcasing the district's commitment to developing critical thinking and public speaking skills among students.

Athletic achievements were celebrated as well, with the upcoming Andrew Gurdeshana Memorial game and the success of various teams, including the boys' lacrosse team, which is currently leading in their section. Notably, individual athletes like Lila Burkhari and Barbara Jo Coppola were recognized for their outstanding performances and record-breaking achievements.

Overall, the meeting underscored the diverse talents of Harrison students and the supportive environment fostered by educators and the community. As the district continues to celebrate these accomplishments, it remains focused on nurturing the next generation of leaders and innovators. The board looks forward to further developments and continued success in the upcoming months.