It is always a sad day when a staff member is lost. Unfortunately, one of these sad days arrived at Reagan High School when Michael Harrold passed away on March 22, 2018. An incredible worker, friend and family member, he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

While his official job title was Data Manager for Reagan, he was so much more than that to everyone who knew him. He brightened the day of anyone who entered the guidance office and could turn your worst day into your best with one kind word and smile.

“No matter how bad of a mood you were in, he put you in a good mood,” said Reagan principal Brad Royal. “He was just that kind of guy.”

It is no easy task to ensure that all data for Reagan students is taken care of properly and efficiently. However, Harrold made it look simple. He took on extra tasks and did his best to lighten the load of all those around him.

Between jobs, Harrold found time to create close-knit relationships with his fellow staff as well as students. One would be hard-pressed to find anyone who had known Harrold that did not have an anecdote to share.

“He was a huge Ohio State fan and I’m a huge Wisconsin fan, so we just had some great banter back and forth,” said guidance counselor Joel Cordray.

Reagan principal Brad Royal shared a few personal stories as well that spoke to Harrold’s character and empathy.

In one instance, a Reagan student’s parents would not file the paperwork that was required for him to receive free and reduced lunch. Royal offered to pay it for him, but Harrold, the cafeteria manager at the time, turned him down, saying he would make sure that the student ate every day.

Additionally, at Christmas, Harrold sought Royal out to show him his attire: ornaments woven into his signature beard and a festive t-shirt printed with the words “He knows when you’ve been bad or good” with Royal’s face superimposed on Santa’s body. Another time, he came dressed in an elf suit. His good humor and festivity created a warm, happy environment for all.

“He was giving and friendly, and had a heart for the underdog,” Cordray said.

Good humor was not all that Harrold had in his repertoire of positive characteristics. He was also one of the hardest workers that Reagan has ever had the honor of employing. He never turned away from a challenge, opting to face it head on and solve the problem.

Due to his hardworking and immeasurably kind spirit, Reagan has decided to honor Harrold. One way this has already been done was through the presentation of a Reagan baseball jersey to his family at the home game on Friday, April 20.

Harrold’s wife and son, Jordan and Caleb, accepted the jersey. All the seniors on the baseball team presented the jersey, and Garrett Saylor handed the jersey to Caleb. It was a special moment.

“The place was packed, so everyone was clapping and it was very cool,” Saylor said.  

There are plans in the works to continue honoring Harrold in the future, but for now the main thing to do is to continue sharing happy memories of him. It’s what he would want us to do.

So have a laugh, brighten someone’s day, and look out for a person that might need a helping hand. Mr. Harrold’s spirit of kindness will not leave Reagan if we continue spreading joy as he did. We are truly grateful to have had such an incredible man on staff here at Reagan.