by Mihran Keoseian

Over 13 years ago I met Hank Emerson through Ann Marie Arnold, who first introduced me to Hank as I was assuming the role of Bromfield principal. From that point on, Hank and I formed a relationship—actually, more of a partnership—for over 10 years during my tenure in Harvard. It is with that backdrop that I thank you for allowing me to extend some words for Hank.

Generosity of time is perhaps one of the characteristics for which I will always remember Hank. Although volunteerism is the trademark of many residents of Harvard, Hank gave volunteerism new meaning—so long as it didn’t interfere with his Thursday morning tennis matches or Rotarian work. I recall one moment when Hank suggested that his volunteer work had officially surpassed his full-time paid work. Lest anyone think Hank was complaining—he wasn’t.

I will always recall his can-do spirit, positive attitude, and relentless search for solutions using the “Where are we now?,” “Where do we want to go?,” and “How will we know when we get there?” triad of questioning. If you wanted Hank to help you, you needed to be prepared to have the answers to those penetrating questions. It was through Hank’s guidance and persistence of seeking better solutions that I personally grew as a school administrator and person. I thanked him daily for his guiding hand.

As a Rotarian, he would beam with pride in his role in organizing the annual scholarships for students from Ayer and Harvard attending a week-long international leadership training camp in Whitewater, Wisconsin. For many, the scholarship and the dinner upon their return in the fall would have sufficed. Hank wanted to honor the scholarship recipients to a greater degree. He orchestrated a send-off bon voyage pizza party for the students with their respective principals where he asked us to extend words of support along with their airline tickets. Again, the extra mile—not for himself but for the scholars.

Hank was not perfect—nor did he ever claim to be. But he was energetically animated (always subtly of course) by his penetrating intelligence, good will, and a wry sense of humor—which, for some, needed an explanation. Hank would respectfully decline doing so—but always politely, by suggesting they “figure it out.”

Hank was a big man with a huge heart, passionate in his beliefs but not stuck in them—crystal clear about values and firm in his convictions, yet he always made time to not only listen to others but to try and understand their positions. When someone else’s viewpoint expanded his understanding of an issue, he never hesitated to thoughtfully and graciously modify his position.

Hank, unbeknownst to many residents, gave countless hours to the superintendents of schools in Harvard even prior to my arrival. He helped them with their budget analysis, strategic planning, and development and preparation of annual budgets.

As Hank entered his last days, I recall him, true to form, always asking me and Thérèse (my wife) about how we or others with whom we all had mutual exposure were doing. Of course, he would interrupt his conversation if the Red Sox had something more exciting at hand—but that was OK.

I always left his bedside totally moved by the reflective conversations about his life, his past, his accomplishments, but how he wanted to do so much more for Harvard and others.

Hank, my dear friend and coach, I will miss you dearly, but let me also thank you for all that you have done for me, and for all that you have done for many others—known or unknown.

Mihran Keoseian served the Harvard Public School District first as
principal of Bromfield, then Superintendent of the School District.
Since retiring in 2002, he is busier than ever working as an
educational leadership coach and as a selectman for the town of Groton.