Students and faculty marched in a celebratory parade to honor Dean of Students Kevin Williamson, who is retiring after 26 years at Harker, on Tuesday.
The New Orleans-style parade featured live performances from Jazz Band and Lab Band along with fresh beignets served in the Quad to pay homage to Williamson’s affinity for the city. Students and faculty stood in two lines as Williamson and the bands walked between them, with seniors, juniors, sophomores and frosh trailing behind.
“I was thrilled that the Jazz Band took the time and effort to do that for me,” Williamson said. “I talked to Doctor Hart about doing that for Spirit Week leading up to the Tug of War, so it’s really nice to go out in that same way.”
Sophomore Rachel Li appreciated how the parade served as a high-energy tribute to Williamson’s nearly three-decade legacy, emphasizing his pioneering of class trips.
“I really value the thought that went into this initiative, and I thought the parade was very wholesome and a great way to honor what Mr. Williamson has done for our school,” Rachel said. “I really enjoyed the ropes obstacle course, even though I’m very terrified of heights, but it was a great bonding experience with my advisory and other advisories too.”
Former Associated Student Body (ASB) Vice President Amishi Gupta (12) organized the event alongside Director of Student Organizations Eric Kallbrier and Assistant Dean of Students Kelley McCoy.
“We wanted to make sure he feels very loved and grateful for all the things he does,” Amishi said. “He does so much for us and takes care of the school so much, and we wanted to have the same love back towards him. He brought the spirit parade, so we wanted to have that as well.”
Prior to the parade, the 2025-26 ASB joined the newly transitioned 2026-27 ASB to present a video during school meeting commemorating the various contributions Williamson has made to Harker during his tenure, ranging from the advisory program to Honor Council.
“It means a lot to me that students have strong advisors and an advisory program,” Williamson said. “I came from a boarding school when I was your age. Being away from home and not near my parents, having a person I could go to as a kind of a second parent, having dinner with them helped ease my transition into that school. Although we’re a day school, I just like the idea of advisory.”
English teacher and Transitional Dean Christopher Hurshman explained how Williamson always strived to do what’s best for the student body.
“He’s someone who cares very deeply about the well-being of students and wants to support all of our faculty in being present and available to our kids as young people and not merely as brains,” Hurshman said. “We all get tons of intellectual stimulation in the classroom here at Harker, but because of that, it’s easy to forget that you’re also growing people and that you need support in all sorts of other ways and opportunities to decompress.”
As his time at Harker comes to an end, Williamson reminded students about the importance of maintaining a balance between schoolwork and making meaningful connections with their community.
“Enjoy your time in high school,” Williamson said. “The teenage years are crazy and chaotic sometimes, but also some of the most memorable as you grow up. Form good friendships you’ll hopefully have last a lifetime. Don’t be afraid to ask adults who are here to help you, whether it’s a counselor or a teacher or coach because we’re all here to help.”
History and social science teacher Carol Green will be the new Dean of Students starting from the 2026-27 school year.
