College: Undecided

Major: Creative Writing

You may not know the name Joey Harrison, but you’re probably familiar with the smiling face holding the door open every morning before school. Propping the door open and greeting those who walk into school, throughout his high school experience Harrison said he has hoped to show other students his faith in God and the Catholic faith by being a person who strives to always show kindness, even when it’s not expected of him.

“My practice of holding the door open for people came about because I was searching for a way to serve other people,” Harrison said. “While praying over what I should do, God blessed me with the idea of holding the door open for people. It wasn’t much, but it was a simple gesture of kindness and love I could show others before I started my day.”

Harrison said although he enjoys greeting people in the morning, there are many times he doesn’t want to. But, he said through God’s grace, he is able to push through that and continue to spread joy.

“Whatever good action I have shown someone, or whatever good impact I had on other people, I want them to know that they are receiving the graces and blessings of God,” Harrison said. “I am not just showing them kindness, God is.”

While Harrison said he wishes to have a positive impact on others, he also said KHS has also had an impact on him. Harrison said that some of his best memories have come from the people in his classes, as well as the cross country team.

“KHS has blessed me with a fantastic community,” Harrison said. “[And cross country has] provided a sense of brotherhood and family I had never experienced before outside of my own family. All of the coaches, especially Coach (Wayne)  Baldwin and his wife (Ruth Baldwin) [who we call] Coach Mom, have taught me valuable life lessons that have made me a better athlete, student and person.”

Baldwin, KHS boys cross country coach, said Harrison has embraced the challenge of being a great human, as well as a great athlete. Baldwin also said the team will miss his leadership, caring personality, and grit.

“Joey Harrison is a legacy member of the community of the ‘Gritical’ mass of Pioneer cross country,” Baldwin said. “As a senior captain, Joey was a positive guide for all who were willing to listen to his words on how to exceed expectations, both personally and as a teammate. We will miss his leadership, caring personality and GRIT.”