Pat Micinilio is Staples High School’s assistant principal for the Class of 2025.
That’s the senior class Max Harper was part of.
In the aftermath of his tragic death yesterday, in a dirt bike accident, the assistant principal offers these thoughts. He incorporates some insights from Max’s counselor, Mattie Sokoloski.
Max was a beloved student at Staples High School.
I know this is said too often, but Max truly did have a larger-than-life personality.
He had only been at Staples for a little over a year, but he made his presence known from the moment he stepped onto campus.
Max Harper
He had an engaging and warm personality, filled with enthusiasm and happiness. Because of his genuine warmth, he quickly made friends here, and had so many of them.
Students were drawn to him, as evidenced by all of the kids who sat with him at lunch, walked with him in the hallways, or worked out with him in the fitness center after school.
He was such a bright spot in so many people’s day. And he had, perhaps, the best manners of any teenager with whom I have ever worked.
He was a “please” and “thank you” kid. No matter what kind of conversation we had in my office, he ended every one of those conversations with “I appreciate you.”
In fact, those were the last words he said to me.
Max loved to chat it up with many of us about his future plans. He had so many dreams and ambitions.
He often talked of wanting to start up new and unique businesses. From a clothing line to a construction business to working on automobiles, he had his sights high.
With Max’s personality, there was no doubt he would have had an amazing future in whatever avenue he decided to explore.
Max truly discovered his true self here at Staples, and flourished. He helped to make our school a brighter place by his sheer presence.
Staples assistant principal Pat Micinilio (right), speaking about Max Harper at this morning’s Compo Beach memorial. (Photo courtesy of Inklings)
Max was strong-willed and passionate about the people and things that were important to him. His ability to connect with others, no matter who they were, was unmatched.
He never shied away from a conversation or meeting someone new.
Even if you only met Max once, he was a friend for life. He greeted everyone in the hallway, no matter if he knew them or not.
His kind, laid back and fun-spirited nature made his peers gravitate to him. To know Max was to love Max.
His love for life and his big dreams were an inspiration to all. His impact on our school and our community is a true testament to how special a person Max is. He was one of a kind.
The loss we are feeling now is because of how special Max was, and how much he meant to so many at Staples.