Grandparent Profile: Cherrie & Gary Harden, Grandparent Council Co-Chairs
Cherrie and Gary Harden both care deeply about education and family. Cherrie is from Arkansas by way of Mississippi, and Gary is from Arkansas.
They met at a youth church group when Cherrie was 14 and Gary was 15, and began dating. As of this writing, they have been married for over half a century.
Although neither Cherrie or Gary’s own parents went to college, it was understood in their households that they would continue their education beyond high school. “There was no question that we would go to college. It wasn’t if, it was when. Our parents didn’t get to attend college. They graduated high school, served during WWII, got jobs and went on. But they wanted us to do better than they did.”
Cherrie and Gary both earned their degrees at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. They believe in lifelong learning and find continual joy in the quest for knowledge. As Gary puts it, “we enjoy learning new stuff.”
They have been in the Bay Area for almost a decade, going back and forth between Arkansas and Mill Valley to spend time with their son and daughter-in-law. Once their grandchildren arrived, however, their stays in the Bay Area became permanent. They love being active grandparents and continuing to share in the joy of learning with their grandchildren. Cherrie and Gary agree: “we want to be very hands-on grandparents.”
At Burke’s, Cherrie and Gary enjoy lending a hand to whatever needs doing: “we do lunch duty, and we are more than happy to help with anything that’s needed, anything when we can. We like to do for the girls.” The school’s commitment to empowering girls resonates strongly with them, as they have three grandchildren attending Burke’s. “We can see it in them, even the youngest. They are confident and well-rounded.” Cherrie says, “I can’t think of a better place than Burke’s for the girls. From day one we have been very impressed. Many girls have made friends for a lifetime.”
When asked what they would tell a new grandparent volunteering at Burke’s, Gary says, “what I enjoy most is volunteering over the years and seeing the students as they grow and learn. I can see how the school’s mission and educational methods support each student, in their behavior and how carry themselves. It means a lot to be a part of that.”
Cherrie continues, “It’s a very rewarding experience, and I think our grandchildren benefit more, even than grandparents do, knowing that we’re involved.”
Gary agrees, “I think that goes for all schools, the faculty and staff know that there is someone there that’s interested. I think it lets them know that they are appreciated. When someone shows up to help, then it adds to their experience, I hope.”
For Cherrie and Gary, volunteering is a joy for the students and grandparents. Cherrie says, “I like to be there for the girls. They love to see us, and so many of their friends know our names. When we see them out sometimes, they will ask “are you so and so’s grandmother? Our girls, they really like it. They are really quick to introduce us to anybody.”
Burke's mission is to educate, encourage and empower girls. Our school combines academic excellence with an appreciation for childhood so that students thrive as learners, develop a strong sense of self, contribute to community, and fulfill their potential, now and throughout life.
Burke's admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.