On Friday, October 17, at Cobleigh Stadium, the 2025 Harrison Hall of Fame inductees were honored. 

Among them were Kristina Johnson (Class of 2001, volleyball), Sophie Schohan (Class of 2017, state champion women’s soccer), and John Stafford, one of the school’s original sports administrators from its 1991 opening.

Thanks to the athletic coordinator and event organizer, Mrs. Jones, I had the opportunity to speak with several honorees and reflect on what the recognition means to them and their time at Harrison.

“It’s a surreal experience,” said Kristina Johnson, returning to Harrison to receive the honor. “It’s a really big honor – I’m speechless.” 

Johnson grew emotional as she recalled her years with the volleyball team and the support of mentors like athletic trainer, Adam Freeman, and administrator John Stafford. 

Johnson credited her time at Harrison with instilling in her a sense of “passion”. 

“I was overlooked because of my size,” Johnson said. “It gave me a drive to prove people wrong and show them what I was capable of.” 

Johnson hopes current students carry on the legacy of the Harrison Hoyas.

“Enjoy every moment, work hard to be a good teammate, and push yourself and your team to be the very best,” she said.

Former state champion Sophie Schohan shared similar reflections on returning to Harrison. 

“This is my first time coming back in 10 years,” she said. “It’s really nice to see the team again.”

Schohan reflected on some of her favorite memories, from winning a state title as a sophomore to being crowned prom queen – and, of course, the school’s “gooey cookies”. 

Her advice to current students is simple: embrace every opportunity. 

“I really took the chance to try different things,” she said. “People don’t always think about that, but getting involved and challenging yourself is worth it.”

John Stafford was one of Harrison High School’s first sports administrators when the school opened in 1991. 

Though I wasn’t able to speak with Stafford directly, it was clear from his presence on the field Friday night, and from those who worked alongside him in the school's early days, that Harrison holds a special place in his heart. 

Former colleagues Gabby Baxter and Jill Jones described the evening as “bittersweet” for Stafford and said he was “very appreciative” of the honor. 

“He was very touched – you could tell,” Jones said.

For those who were watching closely, Stafford’s quiet emotion was unmistakable as he wiped away a tear when his name was announced. 

“He loved football games – any event, really,” Baxter recalled. “The kids were kind of his family.”

Their words painted a portrait of a kind, dedicated man whose love for the school, its students, and its staff, that still continues on to this day.

I hope today's students draw inspiration from the voices of those who came before them, and that they, too, will leave behind a legacy that future generations can look back on and be proud of.