More than a dozen Harker alumni, parents and staff participated on Team Near in the Relay for Life Aug. 15-16, in support of 31-year veteran Harker teacher and mentor John Near, who has metastasized colorectal cancer.

The Harker School and San Jose Gastroenterology (Dr. Huy Trinh, father of Jamie ’05; VyVy ’07; Christine, Gr. 12; and Lindsey, Gr. 5) were corporate sponsors for the team, which was also supported by dozens of other donors. Relay for Life is the signature activity of the American Cancer Society and Team Near has raised nearly $6,500 to date which will go to cancer research. “The luminaria ceremony was particularly touching, as it gave me a moment to think about all those I know who are battling or have battled cancer, particularly my favorite teacher and coach,” said Vickie Duong ’04, a key organizer of the event.  Classmate Jessica Liu ’04 noted that the “very cool” John Near T-shirts (see slide show) and sweatshirts seen at the Relay, “awesomely designed by Vickie,” are available at http://mrneartshirts.eventbrite.com.

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Relay for Life John Near – Images by The Harker School