“A huge smile and an upbeat attitude…”

...describes the demeanor of Lee M ’14 demeanor every day he attends classes at Harrisburg Academy.  “Lee makes teaching easy! He is highly motivated to perform well on his own and is an outstanding collaborator with peers. He’s outgoing, determined, and hard-working,” says his history teacher, Amy Miller.

Emilie Aulenbach, Lee’s English teacher, adds, “My favorite thing about Lee is that he genuinely enjoys his time in school.  Not only is he determined to be successful in his classes, but he is happy and cheerful while he is completing the work.  He looks at education as an opportunity.”

Lee certainly takes advantage of the many aspects of a Harrisburg Academy education. In addition to being a hard-working and accomplished student, he also plays the piano and participates in drama (he especially enjoys Shakespeare) and Model UN.  He’s a member of the yearbook committee, Student Environmental Association, and Student Council.  On the field, he plays soccer and lacrosse, and is considering participating in track and field this spring through the Academy’s athletics co-op with Trinity High School.

“I can be myself.  I get to take the classes that I want, play the sports I want, and have the friends I want.  I like the diversity of the kids and all the things I am able to do. The Academy is an environment that I feel safe in. This place feels like home to me,” he says.

And, although he takes full advantage of all the Academy has to offer, Lee feels that the biggest benefit is the college-preparatory curriculum. “The academics are strong and preparing me for college.  I like the small class size and the individual attention I get from my teachers.  They are always able to offer help if I need it.  I just recently went on some college visits and took a look at some textbooks.  Some of the things I am doing at Harrisburg Academy are in the college textbooks.”

His parents agree — “We choose the Academy because we like the smaller class sizes, appreciate the teacher involvement and like what the Academy offers.  It is preparing our children for college and they are learning how to take responsibility for their education.  Lee has developed great study skills; he is independent and is taking the initiative to learn and be engaged.  He works hard and puts in the effort, but he will be rewarded for this when it comes time to further his education.  He will be ready for the challenges of college and beyond,” says his mother, Val.

Adds his father, Jay, “Lee has become a great student. It is a necessity that he work for it, but he likes the challenge and realizes the Academy is a special place and one that he feels privileged to be a part of.  He will transition well to college because he is confident, motivated, and has been given the structure to succeed. We believe parents can’t put enough value on what an education can provide.  We see that the Academy is the best possible choice for our children, and we believe this is preparing Lee for his future.  In our opinion Harrisburg Academy is the finest college preparatory education available in central Pennsylvania.”

Gifts to the Academy Fund make it possible for Harrisburg Academy to attract and support students of the highest caliber.  Please click on “Support the Academy.”  Gifts received by June 30, 2012 will count toward this year’s fundraising goal.