Representatives from Harker joined parents, students, educators and the general public at Stanford University for an engaging discussion about how to help students balance academic achievement with personal well-being.

The Sept. 26 event was part of a larger conference called “Success By Design: Is It Possible?” sponsored by Challenge Success, a nonprofit group associated with Stanford’s Graduate School of Education. Held in the university’s Memorial Auditorium, it featured Challenge Success co-founders Denise Pope and Madeline Levine.

Other speakers included Wendy Mogel, clinical psychologist and author of New York Times bestselling book “The Blessing of a Skinned Knee” (and follow-up book “The Blessing of a B Minus”), and Dave Evans, a lecturer in Stanford’s product design program and co-founder of Electronic Arts.

Two Harker upper school students, Austin Lai, grade 12, and Naomi Molin, grade 11, also spoke at the event, which Challenge Success called its “biggest parent education event of the year.”

“Austin and Naomi spoke alongside some of the most well-respected educational authors, parental experts and voices on topics related to student wellness. Austin read his compelling personal narrative, then Naomi informed the packed audience about some of the recent efforts Harker made to further the engagement and wellness of our student body,” reported Jennifer Gargano, assistant head of school, academic affairs.

The annual event marked 11 years that Challenge Success educators have collaborated with more than 100 schools. Participants from almost 30 middle school and high schools gathered for the conference.

“Throughout the conference, when I mentioned I was from Harker, I consistently heard how great our students are. I know many were impressed by the maturity of both Austin and Naomi,” said Gargano.