ONE HUNDRED

HARLEY STORIES

ONE HUNDRED

HARLEY STORIES

Claire Labrosa P ’29, ’31: My Harley Story

I first came to know The Harley School through the Horizons at Harley program, an academic enrichment initiative that creates joyful opportunities for learning for students from the city of Rochester who might not otherwise have access to our incredible campus. Watching Horizons students explore, create, and grow here showed me what happens when a community truly believes in the transformative power of education. The public purpose at the heart of both Harley and Horizons—the belief that learning should be joyful, inclusive, and rooted in curiosity ultimately led me to consider Harley as the right place for my own children.

When my son Leo first joined Harley’s Middle School, and later my daughter Silvia followed, I was reminded of the same spark I saw in those Horizons classrooms. My children have been challenged academically in ways that inspire them to think deeply, ask questions, and love learning for its own sake. Their teachers know them not just as students, but as whole people—guiding, supporting, and celebrating them in the most Harley way possible. That care and attention have helped my children not only succeed, but enjoy school, which feels like one of the greatest gifts a parent could hope for.

Beyond academics, Harley has given my children the freedom to explore every side of themselves. They’ve discovered new sports without the weight of competition, found confidence through creativity, and continued their artistic pursuits—like Leo joining Vocal Chords this year. Each day, I see them becoming more thoughtful, capable, and compassionate people. For me, that’s the true essence of a Harley education: a place where curiosity meets kindness, where learning feels like joy, and where children grow into their fullest selves.

Claire Labrosa 

Executive Director of Horizons at Harley 

VISIT THE 100 STORIES PAGE

VISIT THE 100 STORIES PAGE

VISIT THE 100 STORIES PAGE

More 100 Stories Blog Posts

Rodrigo Gutierrez: Seeing the Big Picture

Rodrigo Gutierrez: Seeing the Big Picture

When Rodrigo Gutierrez joined The Harley School in 2021, he brought with him nearly two decades of experience teaching history across the country—from Texas to Connecticut, Delaware, Arizona, and most recently, Allendale Columbia. With degrees from Yale University and...

The Authentic Lens: Capturing the Heart of Harley

The Authentic Lens: Capturing the Heart of Harley

Join us as Art Rothfuss, Harley's visual storyteller, sits down with Karen Sauldo to reflect on his decade at the school and discuss the profound connections and unique programs that bring true meaning to his work within the Harley community.Art Rothfuss, our...

Mike Buck: Three Decades of Keeping Harley Running Strong

Mike Buck: Three Decades of Keeping Harley Running Strong

When Mike Buck first walked onto Harley’s campus in June of 1992, he came as the “new guy” on the night shift—cleaning classrooms, emptying trash, and quietly learning the rhythms of a school that would become a defining part of his life. Over the years, Mike moved to...

New Beginnings, Shared Purpose: A Harley Perspective

New Beginnings, Shared Purpose: A Harley Perspective

This October marked the start of a new chapter for me as I joined The Harley School as Director of Development. Though I am new to Harley, my connection to education and community has been lifelong, both personally and professionally. From my years leading fundraising...

Ryan Kimmet ‘95, P ‘30, ‘33: Coming Home to Harley

Ryan Kimmet ‘95, P ‘30, ‘33: Coming Home to Harley

I first walked through Harley’s doors as a Nursery student in 1981 and graduated in 1995. My mother, Pam Kimmet P ’92, ‘95, GP ‘30, ‘33, led the Lower School, and my sister, Darcy ’92, was just ahead of me. My Harley journey included theater, jazz band, soccer,...