“Carpe Diem” whispers the motto. It encapsulates the spirit of Harriton High School. This public secondary school serves Lower Merion Township. It stands proudly on the Philadelphia Main Line.
Harriton High School’s story is rich. Its location is significant. The school sits on land once part of Charles Thomson’s plantation. He was the Continental Congress’s secretary. He helped shape the United States Constitution.
Designed by Vincent Kling, Harriton High School opened in 1958. Kling envisioned a modern space. Natural light and an airy feel were key. Five buildings connected by covered walkways defined the original design. Ironically, students nicknamed it “the Tombs”. This was despite the airiness.
A new building replaced Kling’s design in 2009. This provided updated facilities. It catered to a growing student population. Harriton offers diverse clubs and activities.
The Science Olympiad team is a point of pride. They’ve consistently ranked high. They have placed among the top 10 nationally for 21 years. They have secured three national championships. They won 16 consecutive state championships.
Harriton’s Academic Decathlon team also shines. They participate in regional competitions. Music thrives here. A full concert band, choir, and orchestra perform. A jazz band adds to the musical variety. Winter and spring concerts showcase their talents.
The Harriton Banner is the school newspaper. It was previously named the Harriton Forum. The name changed in 2006. The Technology Student Association also excels. They have achieved success at regional, state, and national levels. A national championship in Prepared Presentation in 2010 stands out.
Harriton Student Council plays a vital role. It represents the student body. The council organizes “Mr. Harriton”. This is a comedic pageant. It raises money for charity. In 2018, the name changed to “Dr. Harriton”.
Athletics are integral to Harriton High School. The school competes in the Central League. They are part of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association. Girls tennis boasts impressive state titles. They won multiple titles between 2004 and 2019. Girls lacrosse also claimed state championships in 2013 and 2019.
Harriton’s campus spans 49.23 acres. The modern building is LEED Gold certified. It features state-of-the-art classrooms. An 850-seat theater and a black box theater enhance the arts. Athletic facilities are top-notch. A glass-encased library is a focal point.
Many notable alumni have walked these halls. They include Lynda Resnick a CEO, Andy Hertzfeld an Apple pioneer, and David Crane the creator of “Friends”. Lawrence Summers, former president of Harvard, is also an alumnus.
Harriton High School continues to evolve. It maintains a commitment to academic excellence. It was recognized twice as a “Blue Ribbon School”. The school nurtures students. They make their mark in various fields. Science, math, literature, music, and art thrive here. The Ram mascot embodies the school’s spirit. The Highlander serves as a student symbol. Harriton High School remains a pillar of the community.