Editor’s note: Following is a remembrance of Max Harper, a Staples High School senior who died from injuries he suffered in an accident Wednesday on Old Hill Road. It was written by Patrick Micinilio, an assistant principal at Staples.

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Max was a beloved student at SHS. I know this is said too often, but Max truly did have a larger-than-life personality.  

He had only been at SHS for a little over a year, but he made his presence known from the moment he stepped onto campus. He had an engaging and warm personality, filled with enthusiasm and happiness.

Because of his genuine warmth, he quickly made friends at SHS 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 to so many people’s day, and had, perhaps, the best manners of any teenager with whom I have ever worked. He was a “please” and “thank you” kid, and 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 as 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 that 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 sheerly by his presence.  

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 of a person Max is. 

He is 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.