A tribute by Merlyn Jacob, the first recipient of the Raymond “Hap” Harrison Scholarship
Hap,
People like you are a rare breed so words cannot express how grateful I am for all you’ve done. I wish I had
the chance to say a proper thank you in person for being such a wonderful teacher, devoted coach, and
inspiring mentor. You truly pushed every one of us to our full potential. To this day I look back at the days of
Gifted & Talented and remember how much more interested you were in my presentation than I was or
remember the track meets where you told me to tuck in my knee to get a better vertical for high jump.
These reasons along with so many more made me honored to be the first recipient of the Raymond ‘Hap’
Harrison Scholarship. It has been a long and hard four years at Rutgers University but I wanted to tell you that
I graduated this past May! By God’s grace, the support of my family and friends, and the generous donation of
Adam Bailey, I have obtained a B.A. in Biology. As you know, education is costly these days but Adam was kind
enough to pay full-tuition for my four years at RU.
And this all would not have been made possible if it weren’t for you. I cannot thank you enough for the hard
work you have put in and the guidance that you have provided to your students. Your years of teaching,
coaching, and advising students will always be remembered. Although I am saddened that the
students/athletes at NMHS won’t see you everyday or be able to interact with you the way your former classes
have, your legacy lives on through the scholarship and by the sponsors that make it possible. Receiving this
scholarship has taught me the importance of giving back and I do hope that one day I will be able to help
others the way you have helped so many of your students.
Best regards,
Merlyn
A-tribute-by-Merlyn-Jacob-the-first-recipient-of-the-Raymond-Hap-Harrison-Scholarship.pdf