By Bruce Barton

Bruce barton/Town Crier Andrea Harris, Arthur Harris’ widow, poses next to the plaque of dedication in the library.

The Blach Junior High School community offered a heartfelt tribute to the life of Principal Arthur Harris during a June 6 ceremony dedicating the school’s library and rose garden in his name. Harris, loved for his wry humor, intellect and care for his students and faculty, died April 27 after battling cancer.

The school’s quad was filled with student musicians, reflecting Harris’ love of music, including a Blach alumni orchestra whose members volunteered to play in memory of their beloved principal.

The dedication ceremony included a number of touching performances and moving speeches by school officials and faculty members, including Los Altos School District Board President Margot Harrigan and current acting Blach Principal Jeff Allyn.

Allyn described Harris as “a man whose vision and leadership guided Blach through 13 marvelous years. A man whose passion for education was tempered only by his compassion for the teachers and students who shared his vision and continue to move it forward. A man whose wit and sense of humor … made us laugh … in the toughest of situations. Thank you, Mr. Harris.”

“Arthur never lectured or became angry,” recalled Jeannine Antypas, a retired Blach English teacher and good friend. “Arthur listened, nodded, often repeated your sentences but always asked questions. How well I remember one conversation. Teacher: ‘That second period class is driving me crazy!’ Arthur: ‘Ah, they’re driving you crazy.’ Teacher: ‘I think every miscreant in this school was placed in that class!’ Arthur: ‘Ah, today they are miscreants. Let’s see. Should I send the bloodhounds down? Or would you rather I simply flog them?’ Teacher: ‘Well they’re not that bad. They just talk constantly.’ Arthur: ‘Ah, they talk? What a unique human characteristic, but one of the seven deadly sins to be sure. It is a curious thing, you know, even non-miscreants talk.’”

Admirers cited his ability to help students and teachers come up with solutions themselves rather than simply spoon-feed them the answers.

The dedication ceremony featured a virtual who’s-who of the school district community, including current Superintendent Tim Justus and former Superintendent Marge Gratiot. Harris’ widow, Andrea, also in attendance, received a framed tribute honoring Harris from Harrigan.

The idea for the Arthur S. Harris Library and Media Center originated with school librarian Cindy Andrews, Allyn said. Lisa Gelfand of Gelfand Partners donated time and effort to provide renderings for the lettering, prominently placed above the library’s front doors. Plaques honoring Harris are featured inside the library and in a nearby rose garden.

Leslie Crane, currently principal of Covington School, will take over as Blach principal in the fall.