- The core of ‘The Harley idea’ is a profound belief that every child has an individual worth and dignity which is precious and which enables them to contribute to the good of all.
- Harley recognizes that each child has different capabilities, different needs. Only if these individual qualities are served by the school can the student reach his fullest development. Harley meets these needs by providing skilled teachers in a wholesome environment which stimulates young minds and enables each child to progress at his own pace.
- Through the school years, Harley develops the physical well-being of its pupils. Regular play periods and a balanced athletic program provide relaxation and promote sound health.
- Harley is deeply concerned that its students become active members of their community. Continued opportunities of learning democracy through practicing it are given at all levels.
- Harley wants its students to become satisfactory and satisfied members of the community—students who can face the future with confidence and contribute to it well.
In order to get this work done, Harley needed a special sort of faculty and Cliff Whiting, Science and Physical Education, 1933-1957, and Assistant Director of School (this might mean a Dean of Students, perhaps), 1944-1957 was considered one of those special faculty members—and he wore many hats.
A member of the Class of 1947 wrote about Mr. Whiting, “Mr. Whiting adds a welcome note of humor to our serious work. We will always remember his science classes (sprinkled with unorthodox Latin). We will remember him, too, for his storytelling, his many female admirers, and his untiring chauffeuring in a variety of station wagons and big black cars. But most of all we will remember him for his helpfulness in our many individual problems.”
With our 100th graduation upon us in June 2026, I wanted to share a letter that Cliff Whiting wrote to Harley’s 25th graduating class, the class of 1951:
