Merlyn Jacob, the first recipient of the Raymond “Hap” Harrison Scholarship Makes a Tribute

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