Every issue of Purple tells a story about who we are as a community. This one, in particular, feels like a celebration of growth, gratitude, and Bulldog pride. The pages ahead shine a light on what happens when talented people—students, staff, and community members alike—bring their hearts to the work of education.

Our stories this season reflect both tradition and transformation. They remind us that excellence isn’t a single event but something built day by day, through care, curiosity, and connection. From classrooms where teachers like Jeanna Herring make chemistry come alive to band rooms where Hannah Drake’s students march to a rhythm of unity and precision, we see a district filled with leaders who lift one another up.

We also see what happens when our young people dream boldly. Whether it’s an eighth grader who turned a simple lemonade stand into a thriving business, students who use their voices in board meetings, or those preparing to walk the halls of Ivy League universities, the spirit of Bulldog determination is unmistakable.

Service, too, takes many forms here. From educators who’ve given decades to shaping lives, to those just beginning their teaching journeys, to the staff who keep our operations running smoothly behind the scenes—each story is an act of care. Together, they illustrate the deep well of pride and purpose that runs through Harrisburg.

And as always, community remains our heartbeat. You’ll find it in every collaboration, every encouraging word, and every teacher or coach who reminds a student that their best effort matters. You’ll find it in the partnerships that make programs thrive and in the families who continue to believe in our shared mission.

Thank you for helping us make Harrisburg a place where learning is alive, leadership is nurtured, and every student can find their path. That’s what it means to be part of Bulldog Nation—lifting each other higher, one story at a time.

With Bulldog Pride,
Dr. Amy Dixon