The FSMH community is remembering the life and gifts of John Harkins, former Head of FSMH, who recently passed away at the age of 82 in Seattle.
John served as the fifth and longest-serving headmaster (as they were called at the time) of Friends School Mullica Hill from 1989 to 2000. The history of the school that was written on the occasion of the 25th anniversary describes John and the lasting impact he had on FSMH:
“A look at John Harkins‘ curriculum emphases suggests three: the arts, especially dramatics; extending concerns for the human and physical environment; and relating separate subjects through unifying themes–themes that might involve cross-grade endeavors. . . . Looking at the contributions of Teacher John Harkins, his leadership seems inestimable. . . . (P)erhaps his greatest assets were his visions of a quality education in which the ultimate test was the character of the learners, and his capacity to help people achieve together more than they had dreamed of accomplishing apart.”
Longtime FSMH parent Keith Wasserman shared video clips of John in action. These videos are taken from a 1992 Halloween parade and a 1993 marketing video in which John talks about FSMH and Quaker education. Thank you, Keith, for sharing these videos.
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