Spotlight Story

By Laura Dahm, P’18, P’19, P’19

The Harvey School is a magical place. Magical in the sense that it transforms one from an awkward teenager (or the parent of one) to an adventurer, a transformer, and a changemaker. It’s an unfortunate reality but throughout your time between kindergarten and high school graduation, through the tears and the triumphs, you can either enjoy some of the ride or endure it and become who you are. As a parent, you experience all the hope, all the ups and all the downs right alongside your child. As much as we try to shield the pain and encourage bravery and endurance, it is our challenge, too. You go through it with each child that you have. It is never the same for each.

I believe to this day that the team at Harvey was there right alongside us. We have three daughters who attended Harvey; Lizzie ‘18, Annabelle ‘19, and Kaitlyn ‘19. Harvey made their educational journey just what we wanted it to be - an adventure. An adventure that involved taking the big leap to challenge yourself physically through sports or dance, challenge your brain, and explore academics without bias or unrealistic expectations, and to do it together, like a family, like a team. 

Three children only one grade apart is a challenge. As you can imagine, each wants to do exactly the opposite of the other. How did this work at Harvey? Magicians, like the girls head varsity lacrosse coach, Mr. Janos ’98 who somehow convinced Lizzie to let her sister Katy join the team. Then, he somehow convinced Annabelle to join the team as the manager. Her role as manager fulfilled her sports requirement and allowed her to use her managerial skills to keep the team’s stats in check. Another bonus was that we, as parents, didn’t have to be in two places at once on game days. Just one pick-up time for us.

All three of our girls started Harvey in ninth grade, but years later, we wished we had found Harvey sooner.

What a first year our oldest daughter, Lizzie had, upon arriving at Harvey! She learned more that year about math and bonded with her teacher. It didn’t stop there. Ms. Mahony was Lizzie’s advisor and became her advocate, hand holder, and snack provider. Having such a close relationship with her teachers allowed Lizzie to learn how to become her own advocate. Lizzie just graduated CU Boulder, and we were happily shocked when one of her professors ran up to meet my husband and me, wanting to share how “special” Lizzie is. While at Harvey, Lizzie learned how to speak to her professors and teachers. Now, as she embarks on her professional career, she does so with a sense of self-confidence and assuredness.

Annabelle found so many exciting academic challenges at Harvey. Her teachers encouraged her to explore her abilities and to defend her opinions. Imagine our dinner conversations! “No, mom, please allow me to explain” was heard a lot. Mr. Leibovic “made physics fun,” according to Annabelle. She found her artistic ability in the art room of Mr. Price. The experience has given her an appreciation and understanding of art that still exists today. Annabelle is now pursuing her master’s degree in museum studies at NYU after receiving her undergraduate degree in archeology and anthropology from George Washington University. She spent last summer in Sparta, Greece on an archeological dig. The fact that she has chosen these interesting and nontraditional interests to pursue is due to the expansive areas of study offered at Harvey. 

Kaitlyn’s love of learning did not come very easily, but she learned that a struggle doesn’t mean impossible. Impossible is not an option. Ms. Beth Visintainer was instrumental in molding the student that Kaitlyn has become and still is today. Ms. V’s gift is her ability to see what’s inside a student and uncover their strengths even when they don’t think they have any. Kaitlyn discovered that it is possible to love to learn. At Harvey, Kaitlyn finished her lacrosse career with more than 200 saves as goalie and a league championship. She joined the Spanish Club on a trip to Argentina where they explored culture, language, and traveling independently which inspired Kaitlyn to travel independently to Peru the following summer and hike Maccu Piccu. Now she has found her path studying for her master’s degree in special education from SCSU, and it is no surprise that her passion and teaching skills are a direct reflection of the Harvey way.

The lasting value of our family’s Harvey education is the magical memory of unconditional support and the motivation to accept a challenge. Take that leap! Who knows, you may win the proverbial team MVP ball or find that ancient treasure. Don’t end up wishing you had tried it sooner.