Harley’s Approach to College Counseling
“Club Rush” is an afternoon every fall in the Upper School when students have the chance to sign up for clubs for the year, and each year it is very different because new clubs are created based on student initiative and enthusiasm.
Each and every year, students at The Harley School participate in HAC Athletics, and their success continues to be impressive, both as students and athletes. Our athletic program is an integral part of Harley, teaching student-athletes invaluable lessons about teamwork, time management, persistence, and competition. Our program allows them to develop physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally as they represent their school on and off the field. They grow, mature, and work hard to be the best teammate they can, while creating lifelong memories with teammates who often remain friends for life. 
Our Upper School is filled with formal and informal opportunities for students to take on leadership roles. Whether following passions or learning new skills, student-driven opportunities take many shapes.
Unlike this class, death is not an elective. Although it is one of two universal human experiences, our culture often ignores, denies, or misconstrues the true nature of death and dying. What happens when we bear witness to this natural process in the cycle of life and develop our ability to be fully present with others when they need us more than ever? It has the potential to change us deeply and fundamentally while shining a brilliant light on the path of our own lives.
This program utilizes environmentally-focused approaches to education and hands-on learning in order to foster the next generation of leaders through a lens of sustainability and problem-solving.
At Harley, our students learn how to evaluate social systems in order to identify complex problems in society through a lens of social justice. They take a hands-on approach to working for a fair, equitable society by researching, exploring and evaluating different perspectives, and offering solutions—both theoretical and practical.
Students may create independent studies with supervising teachers throughout their Upper School experience or, during Grade 12, they can design Capstone projects—intensive collaborations with Harley faculty and off-campus mentors—involving rigorous academic study and culminating in public presentations. 
Welcome to
To benefit the students, faculty and staff of The Harley School
BLAST! Gala
March 23, 2024
6 to 11 pm
The Linc
Every dollar we raise touches every aspect of a Harley education.
Joy In Learning
Diverse Community
Academic Excellence
Mental and Physical Wellness
Sustainability
Event Timeline
6:00
Hors d’Oeuvres, Food Stations, and Open Bar
Check Out the Raffles and Get “Facebook-Worthy” Pics @ the Hype Booth
7:00
Live Auction
Paddle Raise
9:00
Dessert & Dancing begins with Our Friends from Uptown Groove
11:00
Event Close
Preview tonight’s live aution items
HERE
Thank you to our sponsors and underwriters!
Gift-in-Kind: One Hour of Open Bar Generously Donated by
Gift-in-Kind: Beer Generously Provided by
The KOHL Family
Tonight we honor our Harley Life of Purpose Awardees
The Life of Purpose Award, formerly known as the Lives of Great Purpose Award, was established in 2018. This wonderful recognition aims to shine a spotlight on incredible Harley graduates who truly embody the essence of Harley’s mission: to lead lives filled with genuine purpose and joy, while also making a positive impact on the lives of those around them. Whether it’s in their career, volunteer work, or any other personal pursuit, we celebrate it all. From the arts and social activism to teaching, science, law, business, journalism, and beyond—there are no limits to the incredible paths that lead to a life of purpose and fulfillment.
Kristina Benjamin ’15
Nominated by Kay Benjamin, P ’09, ’15, ’15
Kristina became a scholar-athlete at the University of Dayton where she played tennis and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Human Rights Studies. As a student, she helped implement initiatives for fellow athletes, focusing on self-care and mental health. She also participated in a program abroad, visiting local elementary schools to teach them about human rights.
After college, she participated in several internships in Washington D.C., including the Congressional Hunger Center and Food Reach and Action Center. Kristina then continued her work by specializing in federal advocacy regarding issues affecting young women and girls at Girls Inc. Currently, Kristina works as a special assistant in the United States Department of Transportation under Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
Darcy Kimmet Koreen ’92
Nominated by Jennifer Rubenstein ’92
Darcy attended Colgate University for a Bachelor’s degree and continued her studies at Wilfrid Laurier University, where she earned a Master’s Degree in Social Work. Throughout her professional career, she has been dedicated to public social services, particularly in the realm of child protection.
She commenced her career at the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto as a social worker, focusing on children living in foster care and group homes. Currently, she serves as an Adolescent Team Supervisor for the largest board-run child protection agency in North America. She has actively collaborated on various initiatives aimed at addressing issues such as anti-Black racism, suicide prevention, and the development of innovative care models for children unable to reside at home.
Darcy played a pivotal role in co-creating, developing, and implementing a province-wide family information-sharing system. Additionally, she has authored policies, conducted training sessions, and provided mentorship to her colleagues, emphasizing child-centered interventions. Her unwavering advocacy for the children under her protection in Toronto is exemplary.
Darcy is the daughter of former Head of the Lower School, Pam Kimmet!
Thank you to our emcees for this evening
Joe Ellis P ‘21, ‘23
Joe has been a pillar of the Harley community for nearly two decades. He’s also a proud Harley dad of alumni Zach ’21 and Max ’23. Joe has chaired BLAST! twice and co-chaired the Harley Centennial celebration.
Beyond Harley, Joe works in the wine and hospitality industry. He and his wife, Deb, are now empty nesters who indulge their adventurous spirits with travel whenever they can.
Chris D’Orso
Chris is the Director of Marketing & Communications for Advancement at RIT. You may have caught his emceeing skills in action at galas for the Bivona Child Advocacy Center, American Red Cross, Hope Hall School, Harbor House of Rochester, Alzheimer’s Association, and First Unitarian Church of Rochester.
He’s an openly genderfluid Mets fan with a passion for baseball cards and hosting Monday night trivia at Rising Storm Brewing Company. Oh, and don’t underestimate him—Chris has been on ‘Jeopardy!’, though he still laments the loss.
Raffle Items
Raffle Item #1 2024 Rochester Commemorative Eclipse Artwork
Rochester artist Beth Bailey of NeoPaletteArt and Rochester’s Eclipse Task Force captures the eclipse’s beauty in art.
Value: $75
Donated by: Beth Bailey, P ’23, ’26
Raffle Item # 2 Dining Hall Director for a Day
Create your favorite lunch and snack menu with Dining Hall Director, Vicki Pasternak.
Value: Priceless
Donated by: Vicki Pasternak, P ’99
Raffle Item # 3 Win an Epic Eclipse Prize Pack
Everything you need to watch and remember the eclipse in style!
Value: $250
Donated by: Rochester Museum & Science Center and artist Beth Bailey of NeoPaletteArt.
Raffle Item # 4 The Total Winner’s Package
Entry into each raffle we’re holding during BLAST!
Cost: $75/three raffle tickets
Thank you for your support!
We look forward to seeing you next year at Silent Auction, Silent Disco and BLAST!
©2023 The Harley School